The first game of what promises to be an intriguing Group B at this summer’s European Championship is scheduled to kick off in Berlin on Saturday, with Spain taking on Croatia.
Spain has a rich history in the European Championship, having won it three times, and they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
On the other hand, Croatia has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in this tournament.
La Roja clinched the European Championship title in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
They reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where they were defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout.
The upcoming clash between Spain and Croatia in Group B will be one to watch, with Albania also in a competitive group.
There is a chance for teams to advance from the group stage with a third-place finish. It is expected that Spain, Italy, and Croatia will progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
Spain heads into this match in good form, having won their two June friendlies convincingly and drawing against Brazil in March.
In previous encounters, Spain has won six of their last 10 matches against Croatia, including a victory in the final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League through a penalty shootout.
Croatia’s last victory against Spain was in the UEFA Nations League in November 2018. The two teams met in the last-16 stage of Euro 2020, with Spain winning 5-3 after extra time.
Croatia has had an impressive recent record in the World Cup, finishing as runners-up in 2018 and claiming third place in 2022 in Qatar. They have only lost two of their last 10 matches in all competitions and have scored nine goals in their last three games.
For Spain, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo are potential starters.
Lamine Yamal is poised to be the youngest player ever to grace the field at a European Championship, with the 16-year-old likely to start on the right for La Roja.
There are uncertainties surrounding the Croatia XI, but the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic is expected to play.
Lovro Majer, with eight goals in 31 caps, is also probable to be in the starting lineup, with Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir potentially alongside him in the attacking third.
Possible lineups:
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
