Spain and Croatia kick off their UEFA EURO 2024 campaign in a highly anticipated match that’s become a recurring showdown at the EURO, shared this year with Italy and Albania in Group B. Both teams seek an assertive start in a group that promises intense competition.
What You Need To Know
- Date and Time: Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 5 PM BST
- Venue: Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany
- Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
- Where to Watch (UK): ITV 1
Same Day Matches
- Hungary vs. Switzerland (Group A)
- Italy vs. Albania (Group B)
Spain vs Croatia: Some Context
This match is another chapter in what has become one of the classic European football rivalries of recent times. Spain and Croatia have faced off in the previous three consecutive UEFA EURO tournaments, with their last encounter being a dramatic 5-3 victory to Spain after extra time in 2021. Spain has often had the upper hand, but Croatia’s resilience and technical prowess mean they can never be underestimated.
Historically one of the most successful teams at the UEFA EURO, Spain’s approach has been characterized by a possession-based game, nurtured in their domestic leagues and perfected on the international stage. With three titles under its belt, Spain shares the record with Germany for the most UEFA EURO victories.
They have been an ever-present threat in recent tournaments, only failing to reach the knockout stage once (in 2004) in the last seven editions. Spain’s record speaks to their consistency and the high calibre of players at their disposal, capable of executing a system that prioritizes technical mastery and tactical intelligence.
On the other hand, Croatia has been a consistent contender in major tournaments, particularly since their impressive run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A side blending experienced stalwarts like Luka Modric with exciting fresh talents has proved to be competitive at the highest levels.
Croatia’s versatility in tactics, often adjusting formations between different variations of 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, allows them to adapt to their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. The midfield hub of Kovacic, Brozovic, and Modric will be central to their game plan, offering a blend of defensive solidity, spatial control, and creative distribution.
Expectations and Predictions
SPAIN
For Spain, we may expect a 4-3-3 formation to allow their midfielders to control the game. With Pedri’s incredible vision and awareness and Rodri’s defensive anchoring, Spain can dominate possession and dictate the pace. Their attacking trio could cause problems with pressing and movement.
CROATIA
Croatia may opt for a 4-3-3 setup with Livakovic in goal, a solid back four, and a midfield trio led by Modric aimed at controlling the game’s tempo. Out wide, Perisic will be key in providing width and service to a central forward, allowing Croatia to attack with speed and maintain defensive balance.
What we can expect
Given the wealth of information and the historical context, predictions would favour Spain slightly, given their strong record in this competition. However, Croatia’s ability to perform in critical moments suggests a tightly contested match.
Spain arrives with a record of immense consistency at the EURO, having lost only two of their last 22 matches in this tournament. Importantly, all of Spain’s last 50 goals at the UEFA EURO have come from inside the penalty box, a testament to their strategic play in tight spaces.
How Spain and Croatia will adapt to the other’s gameplay and exploit weaknesses will be key in determining the outcome of this opening encounter. With Italy and Albania also in the group, both teams will be eager to start with a win to set a positive tone for their campaigns.