Top 5 teams after Euro 2016 group stage

Ivan Rakitic of Croatia BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JUNE 21: during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match between Croatia and Spain at Stade Matmut Atlantique on June 21, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport) (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /

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Darijo Srna of Croatia BORDEAUX, FRANCE – JUNE 21: during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match between Croatia and Spain at Stade Matmut Atlantique on June 21, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport) (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /

1. Croatia

This one may surprise you. On paper, they are not the best team at this tournament by far. But the way they have played up till now, they have been the best team at the tournament. If they can get their fans to cooperate, they have a shot to win this thing. They were dark horses at the start of the tournament, but I think they’ve gone to legitimate contenders.

After dominating Turkey in a 1-0 win (they hit the post multiple times), tying Czech Republic 2-2 (should’ve won 2-0) and beating Spain 2-1 after being down 1-0, they have proven that they can play with anyone in the world.

Spain hadn’t allowed a goal in over 750 minutes of play in the Euro Championships and are the back-to-back defending EURO Champions. And Croatia outplayed them. Spain had the possession stats (as usual), but Croatia had better chances and put those chances away. If their fans had not have thrown flares onto the pitch against the Czech Republic, this team could have nine points from three games.

Instead they have seven and have been one of the more entertaining teams at the tournament. They have created chances and they have played organized defense till now.

If the Croatians can get Luka Modrić healthy by the time they face Portugal, they have a great shot to go deep into this new, expanded tournament. With Ivan Rakitić, Darijo Srna and Ivan Perišić all playing extremely well, they are always a threat going forward. They have the talent and passion, but their experience is lacking.

If they can grow into the games as the knockout stages continue on, they could find themselves in the later stages of this tournament. Portugal has yet to play well and Croatia looks good enough to shut them down and face a tough Poland team in the quarterfinals. They may not be the most glamorous pick right now, but they have played the best all around three games up till now in the Euro Championship.

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