Spain Preview & Form
Spain is set to face Croatia in the opening match of Group B at the 2024 UEFA European Championship. The highly-anticipated clash will take place on June 15th at the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin. As the Euro 2024 tournament kicks off, La Furia Roja enter as the favorites to top Group B, a status well-deserved given their recent form.
Spain has suffered just one loss in their last 12 matches across all competitions, including friendly encounters. This impressive record reinforces their position as a top contender to clinch this year's European Championship. Historically, Spain's success in the tournament further solidifies their status. Having won the championship three times, Spain's formidable presence in the tournament is well-documented.
In preparation for Euro 2024, Spain's recent friendlies showcase their strength. They secured two victories, one draw, and one loss. While they experienced a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, they held Brazil to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Dominant performances followed with a 5-0 rout of Andorra and a convincing 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland. Spain's offensive might is evident – they have scored 19 goals in their last six matches, an indication of their potent attacking prowess, which they aim to maintain throughout the European Championship.
Croatia Preview & Form
Croatia, on the other hand, enters Euro 2024 riding high on a six-match winning streak. Demonstrating their competitive edge, the Croatian national team secured their tournament spot by finishing second in Group D of the qualification standings with 16 points, ahead of Wales. However, Croatia's journey in the European Championships has not mirrored their success in the World Cup. Their best performances came when they reached the quarterfinals in 1996 and 2008.
As part of their preparation, Croatia has recorded a series of impressive victories. They overcame Tunisia on penalties, followed by wins against Egypt (4-2) and North Macedonia (3-0). In their most recent match, Croatia secured a 2-1 victory against Portugal, one of the tournament favorites, showcasing their capability to excel against tough opposition.
Spain vs Croatia Starting Lineups
Here are the probable lineups for both teams:
Spain Probable Lineup: Unai Simon (GK), Jose Gaya (DF), Aymeric Laporte (DF), Robin Le Normand (DF), Dani Carvajal (DF), Pedri (MF), Rodri (MF), Fabian Ruiz (MF), Nico Williams (FW), Alvaro Morata (FW), Ferran Torres (FW).
Croatia Probable Lineup: Dominik Livakovic (GK), Borna Sosa (DF), Josko Gvardiol (DF), Josip Sutalo (DF), Josip Stanisic (DF), Luka Modric (MF), Marcelo Brozovic (MF), Mateo Kovacic (MF), Luka Ivanusec (FW), Ante Budimir (FW), Andrej Kramaric (FW).
Spain vs Croatia Team News
Spain Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao).
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Nacho (Real Madrid), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao).
Midfielders: Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad).
Forwards: Joselu (Real Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
Croatia Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers: Ivica Ivusic (Paphos), Nediljko Labrovic (Rijeka), Dominik Livakovic (Fenerbahce).
Defenders: Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Josip Juranovic (Union Berlin), Marin Pongracic (Lecce), Borna Sosa (Ajax), Josip Stanisic (Bayer Leverkusen), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens).
Midfielders: Martin Baturina (Dinamo Zagreb), Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr), Luka Ivanusec (Feyenoord), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Luka Sucic (RB Salzburg), Nikola Vlasic (Torino).
Forwards: Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Marco Pasalic (Rijeka), Ivan Perisic (Hajduk Split), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Marko Pjaca (Rijeka).
Spain vs Croatia H2H Record (Last Five Games)
The last five encounters between these two sides have been closely contested. A notable recent match saw Spain win against Croatia on penalties, reflecting how evenly matched these teams can be.
Spain vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips
Given the current form of both teams, spectators can expect a closely fought match with over 2.5 goals. Croatia has been unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and one draw, while Spain has lost only once in their last 12 matches. These statistics promise an exciting and high-stakes encounter as both teams aim to make a strong start to their Euro 2024 campaign.