Spain and Croatia are two European football sides that have a deep football history and some of the best players. Croatia reached the FIFA World Cup final in 2018 and made sure that it could impact them for a good reason. And if there is any European nation that has won glory after glory in the 21st century, then the name of Spain comes ahead.
This shows the value of Spain and Croatia. And when these two sides meet, it only creates great values. So yes, this clash has modern history and creative players who are not just national heroes but global names with mega fanbases worldwide. This shows the value and impact and Spain and Croatia in the world of football. Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups are worth knowing due to their impact.
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team: Head-to-Head
Croatia got its independence on June 25, 1991. So, as a nation, they come to international football late. But the club football structure was alive in the nation way before and this helped them to make a very strong team in the middle and later parts of the 1990s.
So overall, Spain and Croatia do not have a great history that lasts for 100 years. But yes, the quality of football is at the highest levels between these nations. They met first in an International Friendly match on 23 March 1994. They won the game by 2-0.
On 18 June 2012, they met at the Euros for the first time. But Croatia lost the game 1-0. And it was the year when Spain won the Euro. However, in the 2016 Euro, Croatia beat Spain 2-1. But in the next two Euros, in 2021, Spain won the game 5-3 and 3-0 in 2024. And in 2024, they went on the win the title too.
They have faced each other 11 times, three times Croatia has won, lost 7 and drew 1. So overall, Spain holds the upper hand. However, Croatia is looking active and academics are coming up with very good players in most positions.
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team: History in title winning?
Spain and Croatia have a different history in football. They have a long form of history that goes back years. So yes, Spain has four Euros, out of which three came in the 21st century. And then in 2010, they won their first FIFA World Cup and till now they only won.
Plus, from 2008 to 2012, Spain dominated world football with two Euros wins and one World Cup victory. So yes, the worth of Spain looks huge. And back then, facing Spain means losing. The team had players who were at the peak of their powers. It was also the time when teams of La Liga were leading the UEFA Champions League. This shows the worth of Spain and Croatia indeed.
Croatia’s biggest win is to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup in 2018 against all the odds. They were close the winning the game. But France scored so many goals and it did not help them manage. And in fact, France was the favourite to win the contest.
Spain and Croatia have a deep history in football and with limited populations in their nations, they have managed to do well indeed.
Key Players of Now: Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team
Spain’s 2024 Euro win was a surprise as the world did not see the next-gen being ready for a major event that well. On the other hand, Croatia is at the level where legends are in their last chapter in football. So the focus is to find new young players who can take things ahead and keep the momentum alive.
Spain and Croatia are filled with good players. Lamine Yamal is a star winger/forward that Spain relies on now and seems to be in future too. Rodri is another star player from Spain. He plays in midfield and helps the team in defence and attack to do well. Many football fans and pundits see him as one of the best footballers in the world and the most crucial player for Spain. And other good players make them a team to see as the potential in winning events.
Mateo Kovacic has become a key midfielder for Croatia as the days of Luka Modric are the last part of his glory days. Josip Stanisic is another player that the team relies heavily on. However, the legends in the final phase of their careers hit Croatia to repeat the same magic as they did in the 2010s.
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups
Both Spain and Croatia are great sides in football. Hence, players do keep changing in the starting XI due to many factors. But these are the recent teams they do like to play.
Croatia (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovitch
- Centre Back: Josip Sutalo
- Centre Back: Marin Pongracic
- Right Back: Josip Stanisic
- Left Back: Joško Guardiol
- Central Midfielder: Marcelo Brozovich
- Central Midfielder: Luke Modric
- Central Midfielder: Mateo Kovacic
- Forward/Winger: Luke Susic
- Forward/Winger: Mario Pasalic
- Striker: Andrzej Kramaric
Spain (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
- Centre Back: Robin Le Normand
- Centre Back: Aymeric Laporte
- Right Back: Dani Carvajal
- Left Back: Mark Cucurella
- Central Midfielder: Rodri
- Central Midfielder: Fabian Ruiz
- Attacking Midfielder: Dani Almo
- Forward/Winger: Lamine Yamal
- Forward/Winger: Nico Willams
- Striker: Alvaro Morata
In terms of the quality of the sides, Spain holds that big-player impact from top to bottom. Plus, the options at the bench are very good. It has a mix of good young and established players. But Croatia is maintaining the pace well to.
Final Take
Spain National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups look very strong. However, many do see that Croatia can see a downfall too as the coming crop is not as good as Luka Modric.
But still, some of the players who can work well for five to seven years are in good numbers. But in terms of Spain, LaLig as a domestic league helps them to grow well and make sure that good players keep on coming from every side.
This is why Spain won the 2024 Euros by beating so many good sides. However, in terms of quality, it would be not good to take Croatia for granted.
FAQs
Q: Is Spain the best in European football?
Spain is the current European Champion, so in this way, it is a fact.
Q: Who has better H2H between Spain and Croatia?
Spain has more wins against Croatia in football.
Q: How many Euros has Spain won?
Spain is the four-time European champion.
Q: Tell an amazing fact about the Spain National Football Team.
Spain’s National Football Team is the only side to win three Euros in the 21st century 2008, 2012 and 2024.
