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After winning their last European football championship in 2012, Spain will look to secure a record-breaking fourth Euro title as they are scheduled to face Croatia in their opening match of the UEFA Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 15. Spain and Croatia, who are placed in Group B alongside Italy and Albania, will take on each other at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
Spain won their first European championship in 1964 followed by legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas leading La Roja to two consecutive victories in 2008 and 2012. On the other hand, Croatia registered their best finish in 1996 and 2008 Euros as they reached the quarter-final stages on both occasions.
Spain and Croatia have faced each other 10 times with the former dominating the fixture with six wins while the 2018 World Cup finalists won three matches and one game ended in a draw. However, in their last five matches, Spain have managed a slight edge with a 3-2 record.
Spain vs Croatia: Match Prediction
Luis de la Fuente's side are coming off two big friendly wins against Andorra and Northern Ireland, where Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored four goals in two matches. On the other hand, Croatia registered a 2-1 win against Portugal in a friendly away game.
Spain knocked out Croatia 5-3 in an extra-time win in the Euro 2020 Round of 16 while La Roja registered a 5-4 victory on penalties against Croatia in UEFA National League 2023. Spain will look to continue their dominance against Croatia and are expected to beat the Vatreni 2-1 in their Group B clash on Saturday.
Spain vs Croatia: Predicted Lineups
Spain: Unai Simon; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Nacho, Alejandro Grimaldo; Mikel Merino, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams
Croatia: Nediljko Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Matteo Kovacic; Lovro Majer, Ante Budimir, Andrej Kramaric
