Euro 2024

Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 Prediction

One of the biggest matchups in the group stage takes place on opening Saturday as Spain and Croatia go head-to-head in Group B.

Spain have had talented quads for most tournaments this decade but have underachieved in four of the last five, going out before the quarter-final round. They were semi-finalists three years ago, going out to Italy on penalties. A game in which they dominated possession and territory, the three-time European Championship winners lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

That could be their issue in Germany too as Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is expected to the lead the line. The former Chelsea flop scored just 2 goals in his final 20 games of the season in all competitions. But we could see wonderkid Lamine Yamal down one wing and Nico Williams down the other, which has the potential to cause any defence constant issues.

Spain have a wealth of talent in midfield with the likes of Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo amongst others for head coach Luis de la Fuente to choose from.

Croatia finished runners-up in their qualigying group, 1 point behind Turkey and 4 ahead of Wales. Armenia and Lativa made up the group. They haven’t made it to the quarter-finals since 2008, but have finished runners-up and semi-finalists in the previous two World Cups.

Captain Luka Modric will be playing his final international tournament this summer and does have some talented midfielders alongside him in the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic. But its an aging midfield they could be out of possession for large periods of this game.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic could have a busy afternoon on Saturday if the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Josip Stanisic and Domagoj Vida can’t slow the Spanish attack down.

Spain may have faltered recently in previous tournaments but I see them making a good start to Euro 2024 with good odds to back.

Best bet: Spain to win is 10/11 with Bet365