Spain vs Croatia – all the latest match news and analysis

If you’re a football fan, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Spain vs Croatia rivalry. Both teams bring a mix of skill, experience and a bit of drama, so every fixture feels like a mini‑tournament. In this guide we’ll break down recent encounters, spotlight the players you should watch and give you a heads‑up on the next clash.

Recent encounters – who’s been winning?

In the last few years Spain and Croatia have met three times in major competitions. The most talked‑about game was the Euro 2020 semi‑final, where Spain edged Croatia 3‑1 thanks to a late goal from Álvaro Morata. Before that, at the 2018 World Cup, Croatia knocked Spain out in the round‑of‑16 with a 3‑1 win that featured a stunning strike from Luka Modrić.

Both sides have also played friendlies, with Spain winning 2‑0 in a 2022 warm‑up match. The trend shows that Croatia can pull off a surprise, especially when their midfield—Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić—gets the ball moving fast. Spain, on the other hand, relies on quick passing from Pedri, Gavi and the ever‑reliable Ferran Torres.

Statistically, Spain leads the head‑to‑head record, but the gap isn’t huge. Croatia’s defensive discipline makes them hard to break down, while Spain’s attacking depth means they can score from almost anywhere. That balance creates a clash where a single mistake often decides the game.

What to expect in the next showdown

Looking ahead to the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier, both coaches have hinted at different strategies. Spain’s manager wants to use a high‑press, keeping the ball on the opponent’s half and forcing errors. Expect to see a lot of short, sharp passes and overlapping full‑backs.

Croatia’s boss, on the other hand, is likely to sit deep and hit on the counter‑attack. Watch for Modrić slipping a through‑ball to Andrej Kramarić or Dominik Livaković launching a quick break after a save.

Key players to keep an eye on: for Spain, Pedri’s vision and Vinícius Júnior’s pace could open up space. For Croatia, the veteran presence of Modrić and the aerial threat from Dejan Lovren in set‑pieces are worth noting.

Weather and venue also matter. The match is set to be played in Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, so the home crowd will add pressure on the visitors. The pitch is usually fast, which favours Spain’s quick‑passing style, but a windy night could help Croatia’s long balls.

Betting fans often look at recent form. Spain has won four of their last five matches, scoring an average of 2.1 goals a game. Croatia’s last three outings have been tighter, with two draws and a narrow win. That suggests a balanced game where the first goal could be the deciding factor.

In short, expect a tight first half, a burst of chances after halftime, and possibly a dramatic finish. Whether you’re cheering for the Spanish flair or the Croatian grit, the match promises excitement.

Keep this page bookmarked for live updates, player ratings and post‑match analysis. We’ll add the final score, goal highlights and expert commentary as soon as the whistle blows.