Spain and Croatia will play in the first round of EURO 2024, a replay of the Nations League final. De La Fuente brought fresh air to the Spanish national team after several top coaches struggled. Spain has played two friendly matches in the preparatory phase, losing against Colombia and then a great match against Brazil. Croatia lost another major final in the UEFA Nations League, and a generational change is taking place. It is likely that EURO will be the last major competition for Luka Modric, with Brozovic and Kovacic as new leaders. Croatia played two friendly matches against North African countries, beating Egypt and Tunisia.

The quality difference between Spain and Croatia is more pronounced than in the past, with players like Rodri, Carvajal, Torres, Pedri, and Morata among the top players. Spain has a lot to offer and appears to play faster and more specific than before. The first half could be slower and result in a draw, but the second half is expected to be fierce, with a Red Fury expected.

Gavi will miss the EURO due to an ACL injury, and Laporte will lead the defense, while Rodri will lead the Croatian midfield, their biggest advantage.

Josko Guardiol, a talented left back who played for the national team, is considered the greatest talent of the team in the last decade. His versatility and ability to attack make him a formidable asset.

Predicted lineups:

Spain

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
Defenders: Robin Le Normand, Jose Gaya, Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte
Midfielders: Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams

Croatia

Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Borna Sosa, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo
Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic
Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Luka Ivanusec, Ante Budimir

• Spain – 4 wins
• Croatia – 2 wins
• Draws – —

Over all competition record

Croatia is expected to score a goal against Spain, resulting in a tight, even contest with a 1-0 victory for Spain after 90 minutes.

Winning probability:

Spain – 63%

Draw – 16%

Croatia – 21%

Visit FB88 to check both teams’ statistics, pre-match and live betting odds as well as instant live scores so you enjoy the best online betting experience with us.