SPAIN and Croatia are set for a tough Euro 2024 opener that will feature two of the tournament’s favourites.
The two European giants face off on Saturday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
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The Furia Roja and the Croats have been drawn in a gruelling group that also includes fellow favourites Italy and minnows Albania.
And whoever wins this match could set the tone for the top spot in Group B.
Spain are one of the main contenders to lift the trophy next month after their back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2012.
The Spanish national team also made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Croatia, on the other hand, have been taking football by storm ever since the 2018 World Cup when they reached the final.
The Croats also finished third in the 2022 World Cup, but only made it to the Last 16 of Euro 2020 and 2016.
Both teams will get to call on a number of stars in their bid for glory in Germany.
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And all of them are planning to leave it all on the pitch in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
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Path to the Euros
Spain breezed their way to the Euro 2024 finals by topping Group A in undefeated fashion with seven wins along the way.
The Furia Roja bested runners-up Scotland, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus.
Croatia, on the other hand, finished second in Group D behind leaders Turkey.
The Croats overcame Wales, Armenia and Latvia as they won five out of eight matches, of which they lost two.
Team News
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente may have to wait on Barcelona star Pedri’s fitness as he struggled with injury throughout the season.
De La Fuente, though, has a number of Premier League stars to choose from, such as Brentford’s David Raya who was on loan at Arsenal, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Manchester City’s Rodri.
The Furia Roja will also get to call upon Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon, his team-mate Nico Williams, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, his team-mate Lamine Yamal and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, will have departed Tottenham star Ivan Perisic back in action after he spent last season on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Dalic will also have Fenerbahce’s Dominik Livakovic, City’s Josko Gvardiol, his team-mate Mateo Kovacic and of course Real Madrid legend Luka Modric available.
Ones to watch
Spain will need Rodri to emulate his Manchester City form during Euro 2024.
The midfield maestro stood out for City once more and helped them win a record fourth successive Premier League title.
The 27-year-old amassed nine goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances with the Citizens, who only lost one game within 90 minutes all season with the Spaniard in their starting line-up.
Croatia will look up to their national hero Luka Modric who has been instrumental during the last two World Cup campaigns.
Real Madrid legend Modric is now 38 years old but set for a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be donning his country’s armband to add to his 175 caps.
Head-to-Head
Spain and Croatia have faced off a total of 10 times across all competitions.
The Spaniards have won a majority of six games, compared to the Croats’ three victories.
In fact, the Furia Roja have won six of their last nine matches, of which they lost two.
The two sides have met three times in the Euros with Spain winning twice in 2012 and 2020, while Croatia emerged victorious in 2016.
SunSport Prediction
Spain pose as the favourites against Croatia’s ageing golden generation but not by much. This could be a close one between the two tournament favourites.
Prediction: 1-0
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When is Spain vs Croatia?
- Spain’s clash with Croatia will take place on Saturday, June 15.
- The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
- The Olympiastadion in Germany’s capital Berlin will play host to the match.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Spain vs Croatia will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch all the action for free on ITV 1 so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Spain – 3/4
- Draw – 27/10
- Croatia – 15/4
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
