With the help of Luka Modric’s contributions, Croatia has been steadily improving its international status. Now, it’s on the verge of a major title, and our picks for UEFA expect the team to be more consistent going into the Nations League final.
On Sunday, Croatia will face off against Spain in the final of the UEFA Nations League. It will be the last chance for the country’s under-four million citizens to see their heroes hoist a championship. The nation has long been striving for success, and they have just come up short at the past two World Cups.
Spain is looking to avenge their World Cup loss and establish a new standard for success. Since no members of the 2010 squad remain due to Sergio Busquets’ recent retirement, La Roja is hoping to take the field with a new attitude and prove that it can compete with the best teams. A victory would give them a huge boost following their lackluster showing at the tournament.
Croatia vs Spain Head to head stats :
In the Round of 16 of the European Championship, Spain came from behind to defeat France 5-3 in extra time. In the previous six meetings between these two teams, they won four of them and featured five or more goals in three of them.
Luis de la Fuente’s men were able to produce multiple goals in each of the previous three meetings.
Croatia vs Spain Prediction :
Spain was able to defeat Italy in the semis of the European Championship, which was avenging their loss in the tournament’s final. They also have a good record against Croatia, which included a 5-3 triumph in the group stage of the competition.
In the previous six meetings, Spain was able to come out on top four times. They also scored at least five goals in two of the matches.
The young core of Spain’s team will be too much for the Croatians’ aging players. For instance, 30-year-old Luka Modric is approaching his old age.
Despite the fight that Croatia will bring, Spain is expected to win the match. The odds of 2.00 are on the team being able to claim victory.
Croatia vs Spain News & Injuries :
Read all of the latest injury updates, Croatia vs Spain lineups and team news for Sunday’s fixture below.
Croatia
Due to injury, Croatia’s captain Josko Gvardi has been ruled out of the team. Goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and defenders Duje Caleta Car and Luka Sucic also did not make the squad.
Predicted Lineup for Croatia: Livakovic – Juranovic, Sutalo, Vida, Perisic – Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic – Pasalic, Ivanusec, Kramaric
Spain
Some of the notable names that didn’t make the cut for Spain’s squad include Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Juan Bernat, Koke, Thiago, and Nico Williams.
Predicted Lineup for Spain: Simon – Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba – Rodri, Merino, Rodrigo, Gavi, Pino – Morata
Croatia vs Spain Starting Lineups :
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Vida, Sutalo, Perisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Merino, Rodri; Asensio, Gavi, Pino; Morata
