Croatia vs Spain Preview
Croatia’s defence has been very leaky in the Nations League and Spain are scoring plenty. Another big La Roja win is the best bet in this Group A3 encounter.
Key Stats - La Roja in Top Form
- Croatia have seen over 4.5 goals in their last 2 games.
- Spain have won their last 3 matches.
- Spain have seen over 3.5 goals in their last 3 games.
H2H - Spain Dominate
Spain have an 8-3 advantage against Croatia, alongside one draw.
Croatia Thrashed in Their Last 2
Croatia are on the downturn following three defeats in their previous four matches in all competitions. The Blazers have conceded 14 goals during that run.
Slaven Bilic’s side started their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 away win over the Czech Republic. A heavy 4-1 defeat in Spain followed, where Croatia allowed 1.81 XG and faced 16 shots.
The Blazers suffered their biggest-ever international defeat on Saturday after a 7-0 home loss to England. Bilic’s side allowed 6.43 XG, were 4-0 down at half time and shipped three more goals in the second period.
Spain Going From Strength to Strength
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain are the most in-form team in international football. The 2026 World Cup winners are on a 41-match unbeaten run and have won 32 games.
La Roja have raced to the top of Nations League Group A3 with three consecutive victories.
Spain came back from 2-1 down to beat England 3-2 at Wembley in their opening match. A 4-1 home triumph over Croatia followed as Lamine Yamal, Marc Pubill and Nico Williams scored.
The winning streak continued after a 3-1 home win against the Czech Republic. Spain dominated with 18 shots and Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino found the net.
Predicted Starting Lineups, Squads & Team News
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Ivan Smolcic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Joskov Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Ivan Perisic; Dion Beljo
Defenders Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic withdrew from Croatia duty earlier in the international break due to injury.
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Luka Vuskovic, Ivan Smolcic
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Josip Misic
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Beljo
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Fermin Lopez, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena
Forward Nico Williams and midfielder Ferran Torres are unavailable due to injury.
Fabian Ruiz was out for the Czech Republic game and could miss out again. The midfielder was absent from Spain duty for the birth of his first child.
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Josep Martínez
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Alex Grimaldo, Dean Huijsen, Marc Pubill, Ivan Fresneda
Midfielders: Rodri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Yeremy Pino, Alex Baena, Fermín Lopez, Víctor Munoz
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Roberto Fernández, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal