The most high-profile clash this weekend at Euro 2024 takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin between Spain and Croatia.
Both of these nations have enjoyed success at international tournaments over the past 15 years, with Croatia frequently punching above their weight and Spain lifting World Cups and European Championships
Neither side are being tipped as favourites to win Euro 2024 but that may well make them more dangerous. Spain flexed their muscles in the build-up to the tournament with two five-star showings while Croatia proved they are still a force by beating Portugal.
How the bookies view it: Spain are the narrow favourites
The bookies have priced Spain as the narrow favourites for the clash with Croatia which is understandable given they do have more quality across the pitch.
Luis de la Fuente's men have been priced at 9/10 to win the match while Croatia are 10/3. If you think this will be an edgy opening game, then the draw can be had at 12/5.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Spain
Spain and Croatia have faced off on ten previous occasions with Spain having the better of the overall record with six wins to Croatia's three. The last time the two sides met was last year in the UEFA Nations League final which Spain won via a penalty shootout after a drab 0-0 affair. Croatia will be out for revenge on Saturday but neutrals will just be hoping for a better match.
Players to watch: A glimpse at Messi's heir
A lot has been made of Lamine Yamal over the past year and rightly so. It's not normal for a 16-year-old to become a regular in any professional team, never mind at Barcelona, the supremely talented winger has done exactly that.
As a left-footer who drifts in from the right, the comparisons with a young Lionel Messi were always going to be there considering the team he plays for and is already outperforming the GOAT in terms of where he was at the same age.
Yamal is Barcelona's youngest-ever goalscorer in a league match and Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer, period. He shone against Northern Ireland in Spain's final Euro 2024 warm-up match, recording two assists, which has led to speculation he could start on Saturday. If he does, we're in for a treat.
Predicted lineups
Spain have an array of attacking talent but don't necessarily have a standout player who is guaranteed to start which has led to the possibility of Yamal starting in their front three. The midfield is a lot more settled, with Rodri the orchestrator.
The Man City midfielder will come up against Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brzovic in the middle of the pitch. While at the back, his club teammate Josko Gvaridol will be tasked with keeping Yamal and co quiet.
Spain: Simon – Carvajal, Nacho, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo – Rodri, Ruiz, Pedri – Yamal, Morata, Oyarzabal
Croatia: Livakovic – Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol – Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric – Perisic, Budimir, Kramaric
Anything else catch the eye?
The 0-0 result in the Nations League final won't be repeated here. Not only have both teams been amongst the goals in the build-up to the tournament, but their previous encounters have all produced plenty of goals. In the three H2Hs prior to the Nations League final, 19 goals were scored. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 3/1.
This Euro 2024 match between Spain and Croatia will be played on Jun 15, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Spain vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
