When is it? How can you watch it? What are the possible line-ups?
Spain and Croatia meet in their first Group B match at UEFA EURO 2024.
Spain vs Croatia at a glance
When: Saturday 15 June (18:00 CET kick-off)
Where: Olympiastadion, Berlin
What: UEFA EURO 2024 Group B Matchday 1
What do you need to know?
Spain’s mission to secure a record-breaking fourth EURO triumph begins with a tricky assignment against Croatia, whom they narrowly beat on penalties to win the Nations League last year. Luis de la Fuente’s side warmed up for this tournament with big friendly wins against Andorra and Northern Ireland, Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal impressing with four goals across the two games.
Always a force to be reckoned with, Zlatko Dalić’s Croatia will be led once again by the majestic Luka Modrić, the midfielder set to appear at his fifth EURO. Manchester City duo Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić add further winning mentality, and Vatreni fans will be confident in the wake of an impressive warm-up win over Portugal last week. These teams played out one of the games of the tournament at EURO 2020 as Spain edged a round of 16 thriller 5-3 after extra time. It could be another classic in Berlin.
Possible line-ups
Spain: Simón: Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Merino, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine, Morata, Williams
Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Majer, Budimir, Kramarić
Form guide
Spain
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWDLWW
Croatia
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWWDWW
Expert predictions
Graham Hunter, Spain reporter
Aymeric Laporte’s absence is a setback given his experience, height and left-footed distribution, but Nacho just captained Madrid to Champions League glory so glass half full rather than half empty. The atmosphere around Spain’s hotel and training has been tip-top: a good sign. They can win this opener but, look out: Croatia and Spain have met six times competitively and in four of those there have been result-altering goals in the 87th, 89th or 90th minutes. Don’t start celebrating or weeping too early.
Elvir Islamović, Croatia reporter
Croatia set off for EURO 2024 on the back of an encouraging friendly win against Portugal, and while they are not getting carried away, Dalić’s side played well and will take belief (and a similar starting line-up) into their opener in Berlin. The players have told me they want a performance on a par with their contest against Spain in the Nations League final last year, which suggests they would not be unhappy with a draw. The three Cs will be crucial: confidence, composure and control of the ball.
What the coaches say
Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “I truly admire the mentality of Croatian footballers because they’re an example of national pride, of a feeling of unity, of being proud of the national team – it makes me proud when we feel the same thing in our country. The first goal must always be to compete and be in a position to win. I am convinced we will have a chance to fight for the title. However, there can only be one winner and there are many good national teams who can win this trophy.”
Zlatko Dalić, Croatia coach: “We are in the toughest group, and everyone knows that. A good start is crucial. Remember the World Cup in Qatar when we played Morocco first? That point was very important later on. We’re not aiming for a draw: we want to show our best and win. We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going for the win. It will be difficult and very demanding, but as always, I believe in our team.”