Spain VS Croatia - Preview & Prediction

Spain return home for the first time since becoming world champions when they welcome Croatia to Seville for the second round of the Nations League. Both teams opened the competition with victories, but they arrive at this meeting from very different directions. Spain produced a dramatic 3–2 comeback against England at Wembley, while Croatia edged the Czech Republic 2–1 away from home.

Recent form

Spain enter the match on an exceptional run. Their 3–2 victory at Wembley extended their unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 39 matches, while their most recent five results are all victories. Their sequence includes wins over Portugal, Belgium, France and Argentina during their World Cup-winning campaign, before Saturday's victory over England.

Croatia's recent record is less consistent. Their last five include three victories and two defeats, with the latest coming against the Czech Republic. They lost 2–1 to Portugal in the World Cup round of 32 but had previously beaten Ghana and Panama in the group stage.

The historical record gives Spain the advantage. The two nations have met 11 times, with Spain winning six, Croatia three and two matches ending level. Spain have scored 23 goals to Croatia's 12. Recent meetings have produced some memorable matches. Spain won 3–0 at Euro 2024, while their Euro 2020 meeting finished 5–3 after extra time. The 2023 Nations League final was decided by penalties after a goalless draw.

Team News

Spain have one confirmed change forced upon them. Eric García has withdrawn because of a knee problem, with Robin Le Normand called into the squad as his replacement. Joan Garcia and Pedro Porro missed the match against England, and they are still out of the team due to their respective injuries. Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winning goal against England after coming off the bench, is likely to replace Ferran Torres in the starting XI.

As for Croatia, Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic are not in the squad due to their injury. Marco Pasalic scored a winning goal in the last game, and he is pushing to get a place in the starting XI.

Possible Lineup for Spain:

Simon; Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Possible Lineup for Croatia:

Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic; L Sucic, P Sucic, Mario Pasalic; Budimir

Prediction: Spain 3-1 Croatia

Croatia have enough experience to make this uncomfortable for Spain, particularly if Modric and Kovacic can resist Spain's pressure in midfield. But playing Spain in Seville presents a different challenge. Spain's current squad combines the control provided by Rodri and Fabian with the direct attacking threat of Yamal, Nico Williams and Olmo. Their comeback against England was another example of how difficult they are to put away. I expect Croatia to make Spain work for the result, with Modric and the Croatian midfield capable of creating problems. But over 90 minutes, Spain's possession, width and attacking quality should give them enough opportunities to take all three points.

Betfair Odds

Spain: 1.30

Draw: 5.25

Croatia: 8.30

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