Spain and Croatia are two European teams with long footballing histories, both possessing high-caliber players who are capable of winning large tournaments.
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups, Luis de la Fuente’s side features almost an almost full squad, with Aymeric Laporte the sole exception. Manchester City star Mateo Kovacic could join Luka Modric as midfield partners.
Football Team Lineups
Spain and Croatia both boast longstanding football histories with many stars from each side playing for top clubs across Europe. When these two meet at Olympiastadion Berlin on August 3 for their opening Group B match-up, both will look to make a good first impression of this tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s side applied strong pressure, prompting Croatia to make costly mistakes. Youngsters Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams kept pressing Croatia’s back four and creating dangerous one-on-one opportunities; when Spain won possession, these trio also tucked in well, creating good opportunities on transition.
Rodri was an integral member of Spain’s midfield and they will rely on him being fit if they wish to advance further in this tournament. Up front though they possess strong forwards like Alvaro Morata and Fabian Ruiz; together these form an impressive pairing up front that offers youth balanced with experience.
Croatia National Football Team
Spain will begin their record-setting fourth Euro win quest against Croatia, who they defeated in the Nations League final last year. Luis de la Fuente’s side prepared well for Euro 2016, winning big friendly wins against Andorra and Northern Ireland as part of its warmup phase, with Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal impressing both times he played.
Croatia will be desperate to prove they can compete with the world’s best, particularly following their humiliating Euro 2016 exit when Portugal defeated them on penalties after extra time had ended 2-2. Furthermore, their defense ranks have suffered greatly as Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic had to withdraw due to injury issues.
Manchester City midfielder Ivan Perisic is still recovering from knee injury and may not feature, but Zlatko Dalic still has plenty of options at his disposal. Josko Gvardiol and Lovro Majer will likely form part of Zlatko Dalic’s back four while Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic should form his defensive midfield. Alvaro Morata of Bayern Munich will lead Bayern’s attack while Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will lead Barcelona’s attack.
Spain National Football Team
Few can match Iker Casillas as one of history’s top players in terms of best XI contenders from days gone by, as his accomplishments at Real Madrid made him known as ‘Saint’ – winning every trophy available including five La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Copa del Reys and four Spanish Super Cups during his time there.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were not widely anticipated coming into this tournament, with their defence appearing weak and their attack lacking any bite. Yet they have managed to surprise many with their strength and focus making them hard to beat.
Rodri makes his comeback following a one-match suspension and will be joined by Manchester City star Fabian Ruiz in midfield, as Luis de la Fuente opts for the same formation which beat Albania. Left-back Marc Cucurella remains as one of two new faces, while Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata complete the forward line, goalkeeper Unai Simon keeps goal, while fullbacks Carvajal Le Normand Aymeric Laporte complete their XI.
Who will win Spain vs. Croatia?
Spain and Croatia are two of the premier national teams in Europe. Both boast elite talent from every position, often dominating tournaments and leading them all the way to glory. Who will emerge victorious this time around?
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain have made an excellent start in Group B, defeating Greece 3-0. Unfortunately Gavi has suffered an ACL tear but Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino should find plenty of space behind an effective defence led by Aymeric Laporte and Dani Carvajal.
The Spanish attack has been dangerous, and they should have the power to score in this game. But their transition moments against solid defensive teams could prove vulnerable; therefore it’s crucial for them to gain an early advantage and avoid costly errors while creating chances in the final third – something which should help them secure victory!
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Final words
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups; Spain did well in this disorganized farce, with Lamine Yamal making an impressionful showing and Captain Morata emerging with renewed energy to lead their side to victory. Luis de la Fuente’s squad are sure to enter Euro 2024 tournament as one of the frontrunners, showing technical brilliance like never before in this matchup.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic’s players appeared exhausted as their match came to a halt. Rodri brought down Kramaric for a penalty which Simon saved, with his subsequent attempt disallowed for encroachment.
Substitutions on both teams. Ferran Torres replaces Lamine and Zubimendi replaces Rodri. With just minutes remaining in this match-up and Spain holding onto their three-goal advantage, substitutions continue from both teams.
