UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
15 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Olympiastadion Berlin
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
07:00 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
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
Match Preview
The opening match of Group B at this summer's European Championship will see Spain face Croatia in Berlin on Saturday. Spain, three-time European Championship winners, aim to build on their semi-final finish in Euro 2020. Despite not being among the top favorites, Spain boasts a talented squad capable of triumphing this summer. Croatia, on the other hand, has never progressed past the quarter-finals in this competition, although their recent World Cup performances, finishing as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, demonstrate their prowess on the big stage.
Spain, having won their last two friendlies against Andorra and Northern Ireland, and drawing with Brazil, enter the tournament in strong form. Luis de la Fuente’s side will face Italy and Albania later in the group, making every point crucial in this competitive section.
Historically, Spain has an edge over Croatia, winning six of their last ten encounters, including a penalty-shootout victory in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League final. Croatia's last win against Spain was in November 2018 during the UEFA Nations League. The two teams met in the last-16 stage of Euro 2020, with Spain securing a thrilling 5-3 win after extra time.
Croatia, led by Zlatko Dalic, come into the tournament on the back of six consecutive victories, including a notable 2-1 win over Portugal. Despite their impressive form, Croatia has been knocked out in the round of 16 in the last two European Championships, with their best performances coming in 1996 and 2008 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Spain’s squad selection remains somewhat uncertain, with De la Fuente keeping his starting XI under wraps. Aymeric Laporte's potential absence due to a muscular issue could see Nacho start in defense. Lamine Yamal is set to make history as the youngest player to ever feature at a European Championship. Key players like Dani Carvajal and Alex Grimaldo are expected to start, with possible inclusions of Fabian Ruiz and Nico Williams.
For Croatia, the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic will be crucial. Ivan Perisic may start on the bench due to a recent knee injury, while Marin Pongracic and Josip Sutalo are tipped to start in central defense. Josko Gvardiol and Josip Stanisic are also expected to feature in the backline.
This opening clash in Group B promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a strong start in their quest for Euro 2024 glory.