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 match will take place on June 15th at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Entering the tournament as the favorite to win Group B, La Furia Roja boasts an impressive recent form that justifies this status.
Spain has suffered just a single loss in their last 12 matches across all competitions, which include friendly matches. With such an impressive track record, it's no surprise that they are considered one of the favorites to clinch this year's European Championship. Spain's historic success in the tournament, having won it three times, further solidifies their position as a formidable contender.
In recent friendlies leading up to Euro 2024, Spain registered two victories, one draw, and one loss. They narrowly lost 1-0 to Colombia and played a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil. However, they bounced back with a commanding 5-0 victory over Andorra and a 5-1 win against Northern Ireland. In their last six matches, Spain scored 19 goals, showcasing their potent attacking prowess, which they will look to maintain throughout the European Championship.
Croatia Preview & Form
Croatia enters Euro 2024 on the back of a six-match winning streak, having secured their spot in the tournament by finishing second in Group D of the qualification standings with 16 points, ahead of Wales. While Croatia has not enjoyed the same level of success in the European Championships as they have in the World Cup, their performance leading up to the tournament has been promising.
Croatia's best results in the Euros came when they reached the quarterfinals in 1996 and 2008. In preparation for the European Championship, Croatia has notched a series of impressive victories. They defeated Tunisia on penalties, followed up with wins against Egypt (4-2), and North Macedonia (3-0). In their most recent match, they secured a 2-1 victory against Portugal, one of the favorites for the European tournament.
Potential Lineups
Both teams have announced strong squads for the tournament, and the probable lineups for the match are as follows:
Spain's 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's 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).
Team News and Squads
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).
Head-to-Head Record
The last five encounters between Spain and Croatia have been closely contested. One notable recent match saw Spain triumph over Croatia after penalties, highlighting just how evenly matched these teams can be. This historical context sets the stage for another thrilling encounter.
Match Prediction & Betting Tips
Considering the current form of both teams, we anticipate a closely fought match with over 2.5 goals. Croatia has been unbeaten in their last five matches, securing four wins and one draw. On the other hand, Spain has only lost once in their last 12 matches. These compelling statistics promise an exciting and high-stakes encounter as both teams strive to make a strong start to their Euro 2024 campaign.
In summary, the opening match of Group B between Spain and Croatia is set to be an electrifying start to the 2024 UEFA European Championship. Both teams bring formidable form and impressive squads, ensuring a must-watch football spectacle at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.