Spain head into today’ Euro 2024 opener with Croatia with renewed confidence.
While La Roja are clearly not the force of old on the international stage, the appointment of Luis de la Fuente has brought fresh optimism.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW SPAIN VS CROATIA LIVE!
Luis Enrique departed after their penalty shootout defeat to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and, after a difficult start, things are starting to improve.
Wins over Italy and Croatia underlined their progress and there are several talented young players in the squad, not least Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Croatia, meanwhile, lost the World Cup semi-final to Argentina and head into the tournament having never won a knockout game at the European Championships.
Still, they simply cannot be written off as Luka Modric prepares for what is surely his final dance. Group B is no doubt the dreaded ‘group of death’, with the Italians and Albania - who topped their qualifying group - also involved.
The two played out a thrilling 5-3 clash with Spain emerging victorious in 2021, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Spain vs Croatia is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off time today, Saturday, June 15, 2024.
The Olympiastadion in Berlin will host.
Where to watch Spain vs Croatia
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast ITV1, with coverage starting at 4.15pm.
Live stream: The ITVX website and app will offer a live stream online.
Live blog: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Spain vs Croatia team news
Spain XI: Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Pedri, Yamal, Williams, Morata
Subs: Raya, Vivian, Moreno, Joselu, Olmo, Ferran, Grimaldo, Remiro, Laporte, Baena, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal, Navas, Fermin, Ayoze
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol, Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic, Majer, Kramaric, Budimir
Subs: Labrovic, Ivusic, Erlic, Vlasic, Perisic, Mario, Pasalic, Petkovic, Ivanusec, Sosa, Pjaca, Vida, Juranovic, Pasalic, Sucic, Baturina
Spain vs Croatia prediction
There’s rightly a lot of excitement about Spain but Croatia are so well-versed in major tournaments that it’s almost impossible to pick a winner.
Draw, 1-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Spain wins: 6
Draws: 1
Croatia wins: 3
Spain vs Croatia latest odds
Spain to win: 5/6
Draw: 12/5
Croatia to win: 10/3
