Croatia managed to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup in the summer, something they had failed to do at Euro 2024. However, they then lost to their very first opponent, Portugal, despite opening the scoring. In the Nations League, already with Bilic as head coach, they began against the Czech Republic and snatched a victory. They then travelled to face the champions and even scored once, but ultimately lost 1-4. In the third round against England, they completely collapsed, suffering a 0-7 defeat.
Spain lost in the final of the previous Nations League and failed to retain the title. However, over the summer they added a World Cup triumph to their status as European champions. They began their autumn campaign at Wembley and snatched a 3-2 victory. After that, they hosted the Czech Republic in their next head-to-head encounter, settling for a 3-1 win.
Modric and his teammates score 1.2 goals per match on average while conceding 2.5. The champions average 2.4 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game.
Previous matches: Croatia vs Spain
In the three previous meetings before the current tournament, Spain won thanks to goals in extra time, on penalties, and at Euro 2024 they secured a 3-0 thrashing.
The visitors are unlikely to want to end their excellent run, while the hosts have already begun to wilt. We are backing an away win with a -1.5-goal handicap (odds – 1.73).
Croatia vs Spain: key statistics and trends
Croatia have lost three of their last four matches
Both teams have scored in 70% of Croatia’s matches, with an average total of 3.7 goals per game
Spain have only won since the first round of the World Cup
Both teams have scored in 40% of Spain’s matches, with an average total of 2.9 goals per game
Croatia vs Spain: possible starting line-ups
Croatia play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible line-up): Livakovic – Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol – Modric, Kovacic – Ivanovic, Pasalic, Vlasic – Matanovic
Spain play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible line-up): Simon – Fresneda, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella – Pedri, Zubimendi, Lopez – Yamal, Oyarzabal, Munoz. Ferran Torres, Grimaldo and Nico Williams are injured
