Croatia vs Spain Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 UEFA Nations League
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THE FACTS
When is Croatia vs Spain on and what time does it start? Croatia vs Spain will take place on Sunday 18th June, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs Spain taking place? Croatia vs Spain will take place at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs Spain? Ticket information for Croatia vs Spain can be found on each country’s national team website
What channel is Croatia vs Spain on in the UK? Premier Sports have the rights to televise UEFA Nations League matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Croatia vs Spain
Where can I stream Croatia vs Spain in the UK? If Croatia vs Spain is televised on Premier Sports, subscribers will be able to stream the match live on Premier Player
THE LOWDOWN
CROATIA
Over the past five years, Croatia have secured both a silver medal and a bronze medal when it comes to major competitions. The 2018 FIFA World Cup saw them finish runners-up, losing to France in the final. They ended with a third-place finish in Qatar last year, beating Morocco. In this Nations League final however, Zlatko Dalic’s side go for gold with victory over Spain needed to secure what would be their first major trophy in senior international football. They’ve earned this opportunity after another their wonderful semi-final victory in midweek against Netherlands, beating the Dutch by four goals to two after extra time.
It didn’t look good for Dalic’s men at one stage, having gone behind after 34 minutes through Donyell Malen. But they came out of the blocks firing in the second half and an Andrej Kramaric penalty on 55 minutes saw them equalise. Mario Pasalic completed the turnaround and put Croatia ahead and although it appeared they would hold on, Netherlands forced extra time in the 96th minute. But Croatia were not to be denied as Bruno Petkovic struck before a second penalty, this time converted by the brilliant Luka Modric finished the job. Modric starred once again and the vast majority of neutrals will no doubt want Croatia to win this competition and see the 37-year-old win the major international trophy that his efforts have long deserved.
SPAIN
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has been at the helm of the senior side for only three games and his fourth could see him win his first trophy as boss, provided they get the better of Croatia here. It would end an 11-year wait for silverware, hard to fathom when considering the sheer talent at Spain’s disposal in terms of football. But after topping their 22-23 Nations League group, La Roja got the better of Italy, beating the Azzurri by two goals to one in the semi-finals in midweek to book this showdown with Croatia. They are more than likely to come into this contest as favourites, but as they will have seen the day before beating Italy, Croatia are an excellent side and to underestimate them would be a grave mistake.
The Spaniards took the lead in just the third-minute against Italy, Yeremy Pino giving his side the early advantage. However, it didn’t last long as less than ten minutes later, Roberto Mancini’s men pulled level from the penalty spot. As the game went on, Spain dominated with over 60% possession and were racking up shots on goal. They were eventually rewarded with extra time starting to loom as in the 88th minute, substitute Joselu grabbed the winner.
THE TEAM NEWS
CROATIA
Croatia once again won’t be able to call upon defender Josko Gvardiol with the RB Leipzig defender suffering from an abdominal injury. Zlatko Dalic utilised Ivan Perisic at left-back as opposed to further forward in the semi-final and is likely to do the same in the final, which would mean no place for Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa. Luka Ivanusec was preferred on the left side of Croatia’s front three against Netherlands and Dalic will need to make a big call on whether to start the 24-year-old for the final as well.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Vida, Perisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
UNAVAILABLE: Gvardiol (Injured)
SPAIN
Unai Simon got the nod in goal against Italy and should keep his spot for the final. Jesus Navas was preferred at right-back over Dani Carvajal but it would be no surprise to see the Real Madrid star come into the side against Croatia. Another Los Blancos player who could feature from the start is Marco Asensio, who came on at half time against Italy to replace Rodrigo Moreno. Whilst Joselu came on to score the goal which took them to the final, Luis de la Fuente will more than likely keep faith with Alvaro Morata up top. Dani Olmo is unlikely to feature and if that is the case would join Juan Bernat and Pedri on the sidelines.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Merino; Asensio, Gavi, Pino; Morata
UNAVAILABLE: Bernat (Injured), Pedri (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Olmo (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
A huge opportunity for both these two teams to secure a major international title and one which neither will want to pass up. The battle between two workmanlike, rock solid, yet silky midfield units is set to be a particular highlight. Expect neither to give anything away early on and a closely-fought affair should be on the cards. Croatia needed extra time to get past Netherlands and it took a very late winner to prevent Spain from also needing an extra 30 minutes. Therefore, backing a draw in 90 minutes looks to be a shrewd play with this final being decided by extra time or penalties.
TIP: DRAW
