Prediction: Spain vs Croatia

Spain will play in front of their home supporters for the first time since lifting the 2026 World Cup when they welcome Croatia to Seville for a UEFA Nations League encounter on Tuesday night.

La Roja began their latest campaign with a thrilling victory over England, while Croatia also opened with three points after overcoming the Czech Republic, setting up an intriguing early showdown between two of Europe’s most experienced international sides.

Spain continue to set the standard in international football after adding the World Cup trophy to their European Championship triumph this summer.

Luis de la Fuente’s side returned to action against England on Saturday and demonstrated once again why they are regarded as the team to beat. Despite falling behind after an explosive start, Spain showed remarkable composure to recover and secure a 3-2 victory at Wembley.

Lamine Yamal struck inside two minutes to hand La Roja the perfect opening, but England responded through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane to take control before half-time. However, Kane’s missed penalty early in the second half proved pivotal, and Spain immediately capitalised through second-half substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.

That comeback extended an extraordinary unbeaten run. Spain have not lost a match in normal time since a friendly defeat to Colombia in March 2024, while their last competitive defeat came over three years ago against Scotland.

History also favours the hosts. Spain have won seven of their 10 official meetings with Croatia and have emerged victorious in each of the last three encounters between the nations.

Team News

The squad has been affected by a handful of withdrawals. Joan Garcia and Pedro Porro were forced to leave camp through injury, while Eric Garcia also missed out after suffering a knee issue. Robin Le Normand has subsequently been added to the squad.

After making a decisive impact from the bench against England, both Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal are pushing strongly for starting roles. Midfielder Pedri could also feature from the first whistle after an encouraging cameo at Wembley.

Croatia enter Tuesday’s contest encouraged by a winning start to life under returning head coach Slaven Bilic.

Fourteen years after leaving the national team, Bilic has been entrusted with leading Croatia into a new era following Zlatko Dalic’s departure after the 2026 World Cup.

His second spell began positively with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to the Czech Republic. Veteran captain Luka Modric opened the scoring shortly after half-time before the hosts levelled through Adam Karabec. Croatia ultimately found a winner through Marco Pasalic, whose decisive contribution secured all three points.

While the result was encouraging, Croatia now face a much greater challenge against the reigning world champions.

Recent meetings between the countries have been particularly difficult for the Vatreni. Croatia have not beaten Spain since their Nations League victory in 2018 and have won only once on Spanish soil, a friendly success dating back to 1994.

Team News

Bilic’s squad has also been affected by injuries. Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic were forced to withdraw, leading to call-ups for Lovro Majer, Marin Pongracic and Kristijan Jakic.

Marco Pasalic’s winning contribution from the bench has put him in contention for a starting place, while Ante Budimir is another player who could come into the lineup if Bilic opts to rotate his attack.

As ever, much of Croatia’s creativity and leadership will revolve around the evergreen Luka Modric, who continues to play a pivotal role despite recently turning 41.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spain are unbeaten in regulation time since March 2024.
• La Roja opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over England.
• Croatia began the Slaven Bilic era with a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
• Spain have won each of the last three meetings between the two nations.
• Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal changed the game from the bench against England.
• Luka Modric remains the key figure for Croatia despite entering his fifth decade.

Conclusion

Croatia possess enough experience and quality to remain competitive against any opponent, particularly with Bilic’s return providing fresh energy around the squad.

However, Spain continue to look like the complete package. Their depth, attacking quality and winning mentality were all evident against England, and playing their first home fixture since becoming world champions should provide additional motivation.

Croatia are likely to offer sterner resistance than England managed for stretches at Wembley, but Spain’s superior quality across the pitch should ultimately shine through. Expect the hosts to maintain their unbeaten momentum and claim another important Nations League victory.

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