Spain are back on home soil, and the party is already booked. The newly crowned world champions host Croatia today in Seville in their first home match since lifting the World Cup, and the Vatreni have come to spoil it.
Spain Team News and Predicted Lineup
La Roja beat England 3-2 at Wembley. Lamine Yamal scored inside two minutes, Harry Kane’s penalty hit the crossbar in the 55th minute, and substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal turned the match. Now they are pushing hard for starting spots ahead of Nico Williams and Ferran Torres.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Pedro Porro have withdrawn injured, along with Eric Garcia, and Robin Le Normand comes in. Sports Illustrated predicts this XI: Simon; Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Croatia Team News: Bilic Is Back
Zlatko Dalic left after nine years, and Slaven Bilic is back in charge. Croatia crashed out to Portugal in the World Cup round of 32, but they opened the Nations League with a 2-1 win in Czechia. Watch Luka Modric, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and teenage defender Luka Vuskovic.
Head-to-Head: Spain vs Croatia
The history is lopsided. Croatia have not beaten Spain since a 3-2 home win in November 2018. Spain won 6-0 in Elche that September, and 3-0 at Euro 2024. In 2023, Spain beat Croatia on penalties in the Nations League final. Croatia’s only win in Spain was a 2-0 friendly in Valencia in 1994, and Bilic played in that one.
Key Stat: Spain’s Unbeaten Run
Spain are unbeaten in regular time in 39 matches (30 wins, nine draws), their longest run ever and better than Italy’s European record of 37. They last lost in March 2024.
Prediction
Croatia have goals in them, having scored in each of their last seven away games. But they need a perfect night, and Spain have Yamal, Pedri and a stadium that wants to celebrate. Our prediction: Spain 2-0 Croatia.
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