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By Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89)

Spain’s lax end to the end of their final Group D match against Croatia last Tuesday could have a big impact on their European Championship defence as they are set to face the tournament’s stronger sides, though their performances in the two opening matches should instill confidence.

A late Ivan Perisic strike handed an understrength Croatia side a famous victory and, more importantly, top spot in the group, while Spain have to settle for second. Despite having qualified before kick-off, the impact of the Inter Milan man’s strike bears huge significance, as the defending European champions are now on the side of the tournament tree that holds the biggest names in the competition.

The big turning point in the match came on 72 minutes when Sergio Ramos missed the penalty that would have almost certainly sealed top spot. But, as the Spanish skipper said after the match, to win the tournament, you must beat the top sides, and La Roja have shown enough so far to be regarded as one of the favorites.

So far, it has been Andres Iniesta who has taken the lions’ share of the headlines. The 32-year-old maestro has was named the MVP of the two opening matches, playing the vital assist in the game’s only goal against Czech Republic before an all-round superb display in the 3-0 demolition of Turkey.

The FC Barcelona midfielder is one of the few remaining players from the golden generation that won the World Cup in 2010 but his standards, despite his advancing years, has shown no signs of letting up and could even be a top candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or should he guide Spain to glory this summer. 

Yet, the player that has really changed the complexion of the Spanish side is a player fresh onto the international stage. Following his superb campaign with Celta Vigo, Nolito has an injected a new dimension to a side previously suffering from extreme rigidness.

During the qualification process, Spain were dominant in possession, but there were times where they would lack fluidity and penetration in the final third. Unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old winger started just one out of the ten matches en route to France.

Now, however, as an important first team player of the group stages, Nolito has been the one that makes Spain different to the bland and rigid side we saw in qualifying. 

Spain’s calm, patient, possession-based football means they often find themselves camped outside the opposition’s penalty area but with few options of breaking beyond the last man due to a lack of pace. Nolito’s presence on the left-hand side of the front line has managed to stretch rival defenses and is arguably the only player, along with Jordi Alba, who does so.

Perisic’s 87th minute winner came as an unexpected blow to Spain, who looked to be coasting through in first place, and thus less difficult opposition in the next round yet the overall displays have been positive from Del Bosque’s side.

Players who have not enjoyed the best seasons with their clubs, like David Silva and Cesc Fabregas, seem determined to prove their quality, the ever-brilliant duo of Iniesta and Busquets are effortlessly pulling the strings in midfield while even the scandal surrounding David de Gea has not swayed the defending champions off course.

Spain would have certainly preferred to have been on the side of the draw without the biggest names in the competition but the performances in the group stages show that they can be a match for any opponent - even a tricky Italian outfit.