SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE: Spain's often overlooked defense still has an important role to play at the European Championship.

The offense and its unique possession game gets most of the credit for the team's success, but the defense carries the load so the talented midfielders can impress up front.

Spain enters Tuesday's final Group D game against Croatia trying to defend a 14-game unbeaten run at the European Championship. It also has a seven-game streak without conceding a goal, going back to its opening match in the 2012 tournament.

The defense has also helped by scoring an important goal in the opening match against the Czech Republic, when central defender Gerard Pique came through with a late header after the strikers had struggled to find the net.

In France, Juanfran Torres is playing right back and Jordi Alba is at left back.

"Ramos is a reference to us both on and off the field," Alba said. "He is an example to us all."

In Spain's 3-0 win over Turkey last week, Ramos became the field player with the most appearances with the Spanish national team, with 134.

Ramos and Pique carry a rivalry from club soccer in Spain, as Ramos plays for Real Madrid and Pique for Barcelona, but they have bonded to try to overcome the debacle of two years ago at the 2014 World Cup.

The defenders were starters when Spain failed to advance past the group stage after conceding seven goals in three games, including five in the opener against the Netherlands.

"We are playing for a country. It's what unites us," Ramos said. "It makes no difference what club we play for. We will give our best to try to make our country happy."