Spain vs Croatia: UEFA Nations League – Yamal, Modric, teams, form | Football

Spain Faces Croatia in UEFA Nations League Clash

September 28, 2023

SEVILLE, Spain — The UEFA Nations League match between world champions Spain and Croatia kicks off Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. local time at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. This match marks the second game in Group A3 of the tournament.

The spotlight will be on 19-year-old forward Lamine Yamal, who will face off against 41-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, highlighting a fascinating generational battle in this highly anticipated encounter.

Both teams started their campaigns with victories; Spain secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over England in London, while Croatia defeated Czechia 2-1 in Prague. Spain, ranked as one of the top teams in Europe, is looking to extend its impressive streak of 39 undefeated matches—setting a record for European teams. The squad aims to capture its second Nations League title after triumphing in 2023.

As the finalists from last year, Spain approaches this contest against a resilient Croatian side, which has Modric at the helm. Modric played a pivotal role in Croatia’s opening victory, continuing to showcase his skill on the pitch despite his age.

Overview of UEFA Nations League

Established in 2018, the UEFA Nations League aims to replace meaningless international friendlies with competitive matches among Europe’s national teams. The format includes league structures with promotion and relegation.

Previous Encounters

Spain and Croatia last met during the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage, where Spain emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline, with goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 11
Spain Wins: 6
Croatia Wins: 3
Draws: 2

Recent Form

Spain: Won all five of their last matches.

Croatia: Achieved three wins and faced two losses in their last five games.

Key Players to Watch

Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo: Yamal has made headlines this season, scoring just two minutes into the match against England and playing a vital role throughout the game. He currently ranks among the top scorers in La Liga with seven goals. Olmo contributed an assist in Spain’s recent victory and remains a crucial player.

Croatia’s Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic: Modric’s leadership remains vital for Croatia as he scored in their opening win under coach Slaven Bilic. His experience and skill continue to define Croatia’s midfield strategy. Perisic, an integral player, assisted in their last game and boasts impressive season statistics.

Team News

Spain is without goalkeeper Joan Garcia, sidelined with a knee injury, and defender Eric Garcia, who withdrew due to discomfort. Robin Le Normand has replaced him.

Probable Spain Starting XI: Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Ferran Torres.

On the Croatian side, left winger Martin Baturina and right-back Josip Juranovic are unavailable due to illness, and centre-back Martin Erlic is injured.

Probable Croatia Starting XI: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Franjo Ivanovic; Igor Matanovic.