Saturday’s schedule from Germany brings one of the standout games from the group stages as two potential competition winners butt heads in Berlin. Spain and Croatia face off in the opening game from Group B, and fans can’t wait to see these superstars. Spain is the most successful team in UEFA European Championship history, alongside Germany. Will they go one better this summer?
Croatia enters Saturday’s mouth-watering clash at the Olympiastadion knowing its fate won’t be decided. They could lose against Spain and still qualify from the group before blazing a trail of glory to the trophy. But it’s likely the winner of this match will go from strength to strength and take control of Group B.
- Location: Berlin
- Stadium: Olympiastadion
- Date: 15 June 2024
- Kick-Off Time: 18:00 CEST (17:00 BST)
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR Referee: Stuart Attwell
Spain Team News
Spain finished top of Euro 2024 qualifying Group A with their stats for the campaign showing seven wins against one defeat from eight games, with 25 goals scored and five conceded.
The Spaniards famously lost at Hampden Park, Glasgow, against a plucky Scotland but progressed without fuss. Spain hammered Andorra 5-0 recently to boost team morale before journeying to Germany. One of the pre-competition favourites arrives with high hopes.
We last saw Spain in action when they hammered Northern Ireland 5-1 in a real show of strength, with goals from Morata, Ruiz, Oyarzabal, and a Pedri double. Northern Ireland scored first in that game, but Spain led 4-1 at half-time. They must guard against a slow start in Germany, as they might be punished.
Croatia Team News
The Croatians secured their spot at Euro 2024 by finishing second in Group D behind Turkey. Croatia managed five wins, one draw, and two defeats, with 13 goals scored and four conceded for a tally of 16 points, one less than Turkey.
Croatia’s performances at major international tournaments suggest they’re headed in the right direction and should be respected as a contender in Germany. Croatia bagged their third win on the bounce when beating Portugal 2-1 last Saturday in a thriller.
Both teams were immense that day, with Modric firing his team into an early lead from the penalty spot before Jota leveled early in the second half. Budimir netted on 56 minutes to win the game for Team Croatia.
Spain vs Croatia H2H Record and Key Numbers
The head-to-head stats attached to this game make for interesting reading. Flicking through the past results, we note the teams have met ten times previously, with Spain recording six wins. Croatia has three victories, with the other game ending in a draw.
The most recent clash was in the Nations League last summer when the pair ended goalless. Spain has won three of the previous four, with Croatia bagging the spare. It’s also worth noting that both teams scored in two of the last three games.
Possible Lineups
- Spain (4-3-3): Raya – Llorente, Grimaldo, Garcia, Vivian – Cubarsi, Pedri, Baena – Morata, Torres, Perez
- Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic – Juranovic, Sosa, Kovacic, Vida – Erlic, Majer, Baturina – Petkovic, Kramaric, Perisic
Where to Watch Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming
If you can’t make it to the Olympiastadion in Berlin to watch this game, you’ll be delighted to learn that it’s scheduled for live television treatment in England. You’ll catch all the build-up, coverage, and analysis live on ITV. Watch it on TV or use your mobile device by downloading the ITV app today. In Croatia, the game will be broadcast on HRT 2, and if you are from Spain, you can watch it on RTVE and TVE La 1.
Prediction
Which team will come out on top and secure an important three points in Berlin to get their campaign off and running in style? Either team is capable of winning this game and strengthening to challenge for the Euro 2024 title, but I’m siding with the Spanish, who have a fantastic recent record against the Croatians.
The teams drew 0-0 in the Nations League, but the Spaniards were impressive when they beat Croatia 5-3 in Euro 2020. The Spanish side is experienced and exciting, and I expect them to win and put a marker down for the rest of the tournament. Spain must be at their best to defeat Croatia, but they possess the skill and momentum to get the right result.
The stats attached to Spain vs Croatia suggest we should enjoy a game with a few goals, plenty of chances, and even more talking points.
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