Spain and Croatia will go head-to-head in a crunch clash at Euro 2024 on Saturday.
Spain vs Croatia odds
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Spain vs Croatia predictions
The standout fixture on the opening weekend of Euro 2024 is undoubtedly Spain vs Croatia. Both teams are in Germany with the aim of lifting the trophy, but neither will have it easy in Group B.
This is undoubtedly the group of death at this year’s tournament. Spain are among the top five favourites to go all the way, while Croatia reached the semi-finals of the World Cup 18 months ago.
Italy are the reigning champions following their triumph in 2021, while even outsiders Albania were impressive in qualifying. Every point gained in this group will be hard-won.
A win for either of these teams would give them some breathing space ahead of matchday two. There is less jeopardy in the group phase now that the European Championship contains 24 teams, but neither Spain nor Croatia will want to advance as third-place finishers.
No nation has won this competition more than Spain, who triumphed in 1964, 2008 and 2012. They reached the last four under Luis Enrique three years ago, losing on penalties to eventual champions Italy, but Spain’s recent tournament record is otherwise mediocre at best.
At the 2014 World Cup, they were eliminated in the group stage. At Euro 2016, World Cup 2018 and World Cup 2022, Spain were sent packing in the round of 16.
Luis de la Fuente, a little-known manager outside of his own country, is hoping to change that record this summer.
Spain certainly have the quality to make an impact on this tournament. Rodri is perhaps the best central midfielder in world football. Barcelona Pedri and Lamine Yamal are precocious talents. Dani Carvajal recently scored in a Champions League final on his way to winning that tournament for a record-equalling sixth time.
But Spain will be tested from the get-go. Croatia are tough opponents to begin a campaign against. Spain must show they have the cutting edge required to defeat them.
Spain vs Croatia betting tips
Spain and Croatia will battle it out on Saturday as the group of death begins at Euro 2024.
Croatia or draw – 5/6 (bet365)
Croatia have consistently punched above their weight of late, finishing second at World Cup 2018 and third at World Cup 2022.
Curiously, though, they have never won a knockout match at the European Championship. Zlatko Dalic and his players will be determined to right that wrong in Germany.
We can expect more of the same from Croatia in the next few weeks. This side is still defined by its midfield, which again features the gloriously talented trio of Marcelo Brozovic, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, each of whom appeared in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup against Brazil.
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Aside from their technical gifts, Croatia are a dogged, stubborn side that never know when they are beaten. We saw that at the last World Cup, where they outlasted Japan and Brazil in the knockout phase having gone unbeaten in their group.
When these two teams last met in the final of the Nations League last summer, Spain only won on penalties. We reckon Croatia will avoid defeat after 90 minutes once again here.
Back Croatia or a draw at 21/20 with Star Sports
⚽ Back Croatia or a draw at 5/6 with bet365 ⚽
Under 2.5 goals – 4/6 (Sky Bet)
As we touched on above, the main question mark over Spain is how productive they can be in the final third.
De la Fuente has added more one-versus-one ability to the team, with Yamal, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams all able to beat their marker with speed and trickery.
Yet Alvaro Morata is still leading the line. The Atletico Madrid man is not a bad striker, but he has an unwelcome habit of needing a few chances to score a goal.
And for all that Yamal, Olmo and Williams are gifted dribblers, they scored just 14 league goals between them in 2023/24.
There are also doubts over Croatia in attacking areas. They only found the back of the net 13 times in eight qualifiers, fewer than Greece, Iceland, Kazakhstan and Finland among others.
All things considered, this could be a low-scoring affair.
⚽ Tip under 2.5 goals at 5/6 with Sky Bet ⚽
Andrej Kramaric to score any time – 7/2 (Sky Bet)
Ante Budimir looks set to get the nod up top for Croatia on Saturday, leaving Bruno Petkovic on the bench.
However, Croatia’s primary goal threat will come from Andrej Kramaric, a versatile forward who can operate as a central striker, a No.10, or from either side of the attack.
He is likely to start on the left against Spain, from where the Hoffenheim man will look to cut onto his favoured right foot and take shots at goal.
The 32-year-old scored 17 goals in 31 matches at club level last term, so he must be full of confidence right now.
Croatia will create chances against Spain and, if one of them falls to Kramaric, he has the quality to take full advantage.
⚽ Go for Andrej Kramaric to score any time at 7/2 with Sky Bet ⚽
How to watch Spain vs Croatia
- Location: Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany.
- Date and time: Saturday 15th June, 5pm.
- How to watch: ITV1.
Read more about Euro 2024
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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