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0 Group B of the ongoing Euro 2024 is set for a crunchy opener as three-time champions, Spain, lock horns with Croatia who have never made it past the quarter-finals of this competition.
Heavyweights England, France, Germany and Portugal are seen as the four favourites to win Euro 2024, with Spain being one of the many countries that have somewhat going under the radar, but this talented squad certainly has the capabilities required to go the distance this summer.
Recent form
Spain, winner in 1964, 2008 and 2012 enter this match in strong form, having won their two June friendlies, beating Andorra 5-0 and Northern Ireland 5-1, while they drew with Brazil at the end of March.
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Six years ago today, Cristiano Ronaldo did this to Spain at the 2018 World Cup pic.twitter.com/cytyIn4hB9
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 15, 2024
Spain have won six of their previous 10 matches against Croatia, including a penalty-shootout success when the two teams last locked horns in the final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
For Croatia, their recent World Cup record is incredibly impressive, finishing as the runners-up in 2018, before claiming third at the 2022 competition in Qatar.
Germany thrash Scotland 5-1 in Euro 2024 opener
However, they have been knocked out in the round of 16 in their last two European Championship appearances, while their best-ever performance in the competition came in 1996 and 2008, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Probable Lineups
Spain:
P: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia:
Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
Both teams recognise the crucial importance of securing a win, especially considering Italy’s presence in the group.
The game kicks off at 16:00 GMT at the Berlin Olympiastadion.
The post Euro 2024: Spain set for tricky test against Croatia first appeared on 3News.
