Spain vs Croatia: Preview, kick-off time, possible line-ups, prediction of Euro 2024 clash

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Following a fascinating Euro 2024 opening day match between Germany and Scotland, we look ahead to the encounter between Spain and Croatia.

The Group B opener is definitely going to be a cracker. Spain are aiming to win their fourth Euro tournament and begin that quest against Zlatko Dalić’s tough Croatian side.

La Roja head into Euro 2024 with massive friendly victories against Andorra and Northern Ireland and will fancy their chances against the Croats.

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Pedri and Lamine Yamal are youngsters who could shine and spur Spain to glory. The former has struggled with injuries but is fit enough to prove his worth once again.

Croatia have an array of top professionals with lots of experience at the highest level of football. Chief among them is Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modrić who is prepared to appear at his fifth Euro Championship.

Manchester City duo Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić are league winners who add value to the squad.

Spain and Croatia blessed viewers with one of the games of the tournament during the EURO 2020. La Roja narrowly won the round of 16 classic 5-3 after extra time.

The likes of Rodri and Pedri will do midfield battle with an experienced Croatian midfield comprising Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Kovačić.

Kick-off time:

Spain and Croatia will battle at exactly 17:00 GMT+1/WAT or 18:00 CET.

Possible line-ups:

Spain XI: Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Merino, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine, Morata, Williams.

Croatia XI: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Majer, Budimir, Kramarić.

Prediction:

Spain 2-2 Croatia