Spain and Croatia will kick off their Euro 2024 campaigns on Saturday with a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s tense UEFA Nations League final. Both teams are in Group B, featuring European champions Italy and surprise contenders Albania.
The sting of last year’s shootout defeat to Spain is still fresh for Croatia. Captain Luka Modric and his resilient team are again ready to defy expectations and aim for their first major trophy. Croatia’s journey to the 2018 World Cup final and their semi-final finish four years later, which included a dramatic penalty shootout win against Brazil at Qatar 2022, have solidified their status as perennial underdogs.
Despite their success, the loss to Spain in the Nations League final was a bitter blow, raising questions about how much longer Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ can continue their remarkable run. Yet, they enter Euro 2024 still relying on their experienced midfield trio: Luka Modric (39), Marcelo Brozovic (31), and Mateo Kovacic (30). This trio recently demonstrated their competitive spirit by defeating Portugal 2-1 in Lisbon, showcasing their dominance against a nearly full-strength Portuguese side.
The victory provided a morale boost for Zlatko Dalic’s squad as they prepare to face Spain, one of the few elite teams Croatia has consistently struggled to overcome.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are eager to start their Euro 2024 journey on a high note.
