Spain travels to face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at Stadion Poljud in Split, holding a 41-match unbeaten streak and seeking to secure qualification for the tournament’s quarterfinals. Luis de la Fuente’s side enters the fixture needing only a single point to advance, armed with a team that includes Unai Simón, Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Baena.
The fixture follows a 4-1 victory for Spain against the same opponent in Sevilla a week earlier. While Spain arrives in a state of confidence backed by its long unbeaten run, Croatia enters the match in turmoil following a 0-7 defeat against England.
Luis De La Fuente Deploys Strongest Lineup
Luis de la Fuente has deployed his strongest available starting lineup to seal the quarterfinal berth, opting against speculation despite missing several players over the course of the concentration. On the bench for Spain are Josep Martínez, David Raya, Fresneda, Fran García, Le Normand, Huijsen, Mikel Merino, Zubimendi, Roberto, Yeremy Pino, Fermín López, and Víctor Muñoz, with Carlos Espí having been ruled out.
Croatia, managed by Slaven Bilic in his second stint, faces selection hurdles with absences including Josip Juranovic due to a hamstring injury, Martin Erlic with a foot injury, Martin Baturina due to illness, and Nikola Vlašić.
The Stakes at Stadion Poljud
For Spain, a victory or a draw in Split guarantees qualification for the quarterfinals ahead of the final two group matches in November against Prague and England in Madrid. Croatia aims to redeem itself from its recent debacle under intense pressure from its supporters in what stands as the thirteenth all-time meeting between the two nations.
Spain and Croatia Meet Frequently Since 2000
Ten of the thirteen historical encounters between the two countries have taken place since the year 2000, establishing a fixture that has met four times in European Championships and five times in the UEFA Nations League. The matchup has never occurred in the World Cup, though it nearly reached the quarterfinal stage in 2018 before Spain faltered against Russia in the round of sixteen, and nearly happened in United States in the round of sixteen before Portugal escaped a Croatian uprising thanks to a disallowed goal requiring absolute faith in technology.
Croatia approaches the contest following the crushing defeat in Rijeka against England, an opponent that has traditionally relied on pride and heart. Slaven Bilic addressed the fallout by stating, It is the worst defeat in history and it is a stain that will remain for life.
Luka Modric also spoke openly prior to the kickoff, admitting, The worst thing about the 7-0 was not losing, but the way of losing,
and expressing an enormous shame
regarding the team’s lack of attitude while describing Spain as the best team in the world.
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