Croatia vs Spain: Battle for Nations League Glory
Croatia and Spain will go head to head in the Nations League final, with both teams aiming to claim their first major international trophy. The match will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.
Croatia’s Golden Generation
Croatia has experienced a golden generation of football stars over the past decade. Led by Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, the team finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and earned a bronze medal four years later in Qatar. Despite their impressive performances, they have yet to claim a major international trophy.
Spain’s New Golden Generation
Spain, on the other hand, is looking to welcome a new golden generation of football stars by winning the Nations League. The team has undergone a major overhaul since their last major international triumph at Euro 2012. With a new coach and a young squad, Spain is aiming to reclaim their place as one of the dominant forces in international football.
Match Preview
Croatia will be without their star striker, Ante Rebic, who is out with an injury. However, they still have a strong squad led by Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric. They will be looking to dominate possession and create chances against a Spanish team that likes to play possession-based football.
Spain, on the other hand, will be without their star midfielder, Sergio Busquets, who is out due to COVID-19 protocols. However, they still have a talented squad led by Jordi Alba, Rodri, and Marco Asensio. They will be looking to control the midfield and create chances through their quick passing and movement.
Head to Head Record
Croatia and Spain have faced each other six times in the past, with Spain winning three times, Croatia winning twice, and one match ending in a draw. The most recent meeting between the two teams was in the group stage of Euro 2020, where Spain won 5-3 in a thrilling encounter.
Prediction
This match promises to be a closely contested affair between two talented teams. Croatia will be looking to claim their first major international trophy, while Spain will be looking to welcome a new golden generation by winning the Nations League. It is difficult to predict the outcome of this match, but it is sure to be an exciting encounter.
Live Updates
Fans can follow the live updates of the match on the talkSPORT website stream or via the app. The lineups for the match are as follows:
Croatia: Livakovic, Perisic, Erlic, Sutalo, Juranovic, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Ivanusec, Kramaric, Pasalic
Subs: Labrovic, Ivusic, Stanisic, Barisic, Majer, Vlasic, Petkovic, Musa, Sosa, Vida, Beljo
Spain: Simón, Alba, Laporte, Le Normand, Navas, Ruiz, Rodri, Pino, Gavi, Asensio, Morata
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Raya, Carvajal, Nacho, Merino, Canales, Fati, Rodrigo, Joselu, Olmo, Garcia, Zubimendi
Conclusion
The Croatia vs Spain match promises to be an exciting encounter between two talented teams. Both teams will be looking to claim their first major international trophy and cement their place as one of the dominant forces in international football. Fans can follow the live updates of the match on the talkSPORT website stream or via the app.