The opening match of a fascinating Group B at this summer’s European Championship will take place in Berlin on Saturday, as Spain takes on Croatia.
The highlight of the opening weekend of UEFA Euro 2024 is undoubtedly Spain vs Croatia. Both teams are in Germany aiming to lift the trophy, but neither will have it easy in Group B. Many consider this to be the toughest group in the competition, with defending champion Italy also trying to advance. Spain certainly have the quality to make an impact in this tournament.
But Spain will be tested from the start, with Croatia a tough opponent to start the campaign against. Spain needs to show they have the edge needed to beat them.
Zlatko Dalic’s side also come in good form, having won their last six in a row, including a remarkable 2-1 win over Portugal in the last game. They have reached the last four of the World Cup twice and the last 16 at UEFA Euro 2020 in the last seven years. They simply cannot be written off as Luka Modric prepares for his last dance. It will surely be an exciting clash for the fans.
Team news
There are a number of unknowns in Spain’s squad at the moment as head coach De la Fuente has kept his cards close to his chest, while there have been few hints about the eleven that will start here.
Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo are favorites to start, but the duo could end up being named on the bench, with Fabian Ruiz and Nico Williams featuring from the first whistle.
Aymeric Laporte was thrust into the starting line-up, but the experienced defender missed training on Thursday with a muscle problem, so Nacho is in line to feature in the middle.
Lamine Yamal is set to become the youngest player ever to start at a European Championship with the 16-year-old set to start at right back for La Roja.
Dani Carvajal will feature, fresh from helping Real Madrid win the La Liga and Champions League double, while Alex Grimaldo should take the left-back position in the team.
There are also question marks over Croatia’s starting XI, but the midfield is self-selecting, with Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic expected to feature in that part of the field.
Lovro Majer has eight goals in 31 appearances for his country and is also likely to feature in the starting line-up. Andrej Kramarič and Ante Budimir can join him in the final third.
Ivan Perisic is still not 100% after a serious knee injury so is likely to start on the bench, while Marin Pongracic is tipped to get the nod alongside Josip Sutal in central defense.
Josko Gvardiol will line up against Manchester City team-mate Rodrigo, while there will be a place for Bayer Leverkusen’s Josip Stanišić on the opposite side of the defense.
Spain’s possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia’s possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
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