| Croatia vs Spain | |
| Match Details | |
| Match: | Croatia vs Spain |
| Tournament: | UEFA Nations League |
| Match Time: | 12:15 AM |
| Stadium: | Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia |
Preview: Croatia vs Spain
Croatia will look to respond when they host Spain at Poljud Stadium in Split in a crucial UEFA Nations League Group A3 encounter. The hosts are coming off a devastating 7-0 defeat to England, their heaviest loss in history, and will need a major reaction against the world and European champions. Croatia also lost 4-1 to Spain in the reverse fixture in Seville, leaving them with little margin for error as they look to stay competitive in the group.
Spain arrive in Split in excellent form and have collected nine points from their opening three Nations League matches. La Roja defeated Croatia 4-1 before beating Czechia and have continued to show the depth and attacking quality that helped them win the 2026 World Cup. Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the squad with an ankle injury, while Nico Williams and Alejandro Grimaldo are also unavailable, but Luis de la Fuente still has plenty of attacking options including Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Álex Baena.
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Head-to-Head
Spain have enjoyed the better results in recent meetings, including a 4-1 victory over Croatia in Seville on September 29. The two nations have produced several memorable encounters in recent years, including Spain's Euro 2024 victory and their Nations League final triumph on penalties in 2023. Croatia will hope home advantage can help them produce a much stronger performance this time.
Players to Watch
| Croatia | Spain |
|---|---|
| Luka Modrić | Lamine Yamal |
| Joško Gvardiol | Mikel Oyarzabal |
| Igor Matanović | Pedri |
Key Battles to Decide the Match
• Luka Modrić vs Spain's midfield: Croatia will need Modrić's composure and passing ability to help them escape Spain's pressing.
• Lamine Yamal vs Joško Gvardiol: Yamal's creativity and one-on-one ability could test Croatia's defensive structure.
• Matanović vs Spain's centre-backs: Croatia need their striker to provide a stronger physical presence and hold-up play.
• Pedri vs Croatia's midfield: Pedri's ability to control possession and find spaces between the lines could be decisive.
Croatia Possible XI
Croatia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livaković; Ivan Smolčić, Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić; Franjo Ivanović, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić; Igor Matanović.
Spain Possible XI
Spain Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Unai Simón; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Fermín López, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena.
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