Croatia will be out for revenge in the first match of their Euro 2024 campaign as they face off against Spain.
The Vatreni have suffered heartbreak at the hands of the Spanish in recent years, losing to them on penalties in the 2023 Nations League final, while they were also dumped out of Euro 2020 by La Roja.
The 2018 World Cup finalist’s exit in the last European Championship was arguably the most agonising, as they were beaten 5-3 in the round of 16, having fought back from 3-1 down to force extra time.
Both sides have found themselves in the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, with Croatia finishing third at the 2022 World Cup, while Spain reached the semi-finals of the last Euros.
The two teams have been placed in Group B alongside Italy and Albania for this summer’s main event in Germany.
Legendary captain Luka Modric is expected to lead his Croatia side out for their opener against Spain, in what will surely be a fifth and final European Championship for the 38-year-old.
Spain v Croatia: Date and how to follow
The opening Group B match of the tournament will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday, June 15.
The game will kick off at 5pm UK time.
talkSPORT will have full coverage of the match and more details will follow nearer to the tournament.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
The tie will also be shown on free-to-air TV on ITV1.
Spain v Croatia: Team news and squads
Spain are expected to have some exciting young talent at their disposal for Euro 2024, including Barcelona wonderkids Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
One notable absentee will be their club teammate Gavi, who tore his ACL in his country’s final qualifying match against Georgia in November 2023, ruling him out of UEFA’s showpiece event.
Croatia’s veteran wide player Ivan Perisic will continue his run of consecutive major tournaments having recovered from an ACL injury at Hajduk Split.
There will be plenty of Premier League stars on show for both sides, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri set to do battle with his Croatian teammates Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
Real Madrid icon Modric is on course to captain Croatia in another competition, as he targets a first ever international trophy for his country, who he led to the final of the 2018 World Cup.
Spain v Croatia: Players to watch
Luka Modric
The five-time Champions League winner with Real has been an inspirational figure in his national team for nearly two decades, since making his debut for Croatia in 2006.
Modric was named captain of his country ahead of the World Cup in Russia, and the leadership helped the former Spurs to elevate himself and his teammates to the a new level.
The midfielder guided Croatia all the way to the final, where they were eventually beaten by France, and his performances saw him awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Despite reaching another major tournament semi-final at the last World Cup, international honours remain a gap on his incredible CV.
And while Modric is yet to make any official announcement on his future with the national team, Euro 2024 will be an opportunity for a fairytale ending to his career in red and white checks.
Lamine Yamal
Spanish winger Yamal has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season for Barcelona since making his debut for the club aged just 15 in April 2023.
The 16-year-old has surpassed 10 goal involvements in all competitions for Barca this season, drawing comparisons to all-time great and fellow La Masia graduate Lionel Messi.
He has also made the step up to senior international football seamlessly, scoring on his debut against Georgia to become Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer.
Named on the annual NXGN list as football’s most promising wonderkid in 2024, Euro 2024 will be the perfect chance for Yamal to showcase his trickery and eye for a pass on the big stage.
Rodri
A key member of Man City’s all-conquering team that picked up the treble in the 2022/23 season, Rodri has continued his fine form in the current campaign.
The 26-year-old’s importance to the Citizens is clear, with the midfielder breaking former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho’s run of 58 games without defeat in all competitions in March.
His ability to win the ball back and then start attacks with a combination of strength and passing ability will be crucial to Spain this summer, who are known for their possession-based approach.
Rodri also has a reputation as a big-game player, having scored the winner and picking up the Player of the Match award in City’s 2023 Champions League final win.
La Roja will be hoping the Sky Blues star can replicate his dominant club displays for his country in Germany, as they look to add to their 3 previous European titles, the last of which came in 2012.
Spain v Croatia: What has been said?
Both coaches have acknowledged that their teams have been placed in a particularly tough group, with neither underestimating their opponents.
Speaking to Spanish media outlet RTVE after the Euro 2024 group stage draw, Luis de la Fuente said: “It will surely be, if not the most difficult, then one of the most difficult [qualifying groups].
He then focused on their opening game opponents: “Croatia is a rival who we know well from the Nations League.
“They have achieved some spectacular results and have some great players.”
Despite being wary of the threat which the Vatreni will pose his side, the Spain manager revealed he has full faith in his players, despite them being placed in a so-called ‘group of death’.
He added: “We are optimistic because we have seen the growth of this team and the potential of these players in the Spanish national team, who are some of the best in the world, in my opinion.”
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic also stressed the huge task his team will face against Spain and their other rivals in the tournament’s opening stage, but highlighted his confidence in his side regardless.
Speaking to the Croatian Football Federation after the competition draw, Dalic said: “We are up against the current European champions and the Nations League winners.
“We have a challenging task ahead, but I believe we can navigate through it, as we’ve done in the past.”
On the Spain clash he added: “Opening against Spain in Berlin and facing Italy in what could be a decisive match will be tough, but we are accustomed to such challenges.
“We have six months to prepare, and I’m optimistic that we can handle it.”
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News Summary:
- Spain v Croatia LIVE commentary: Date, venue and match preview ahead of Euro 2024 clash as Modric and co face La Roja
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.