It will be a rollercoaster as football fans across the world anticipate a blockbuster Croatia Vs Spain 2023 UEFA Nations League final taking center stage in Rotterdam today, June 18, 2023. The Kick-off time is 19:45.
After Portugal and France won the last two editions of the newly-introduced tournament, the 2023 UEFA Nations League will either go the way of Croatia or Spain.
Croatia Vs Spain 2023 UEFA Nations League Final Preview
Croatia edged out host, Netherlands, 4-2 in the semifinal to qualify for the finals. It ended squares after regulation time but an extra-time double by the Croats sealed the win and humbled the Dutch at their backyard.
Spain needed a late goal by Joselu to break free of a difficult clash against Italy to reach the final. Pino had put the La Roja ahead early in the game before the lead was canceled out by Ciro Immobile’s penalty.
Joselu hit a winner as the De La Fuente’s boys ran out with a 2-1 win to reach the final.
It has been a decade since Spain won a major trophy in football. The La Roja will be hoping to restore the glory days after a torrid run since 2008. After losing the 2021 final, Spain will hope to nick this trophy taking up the Croats.
Croatia are recent giants in European and world football. They reach the final of the 2018 World Cup and semifinal of the 2022 World Cup, finishing with a bronze medal in the tournament but are yet to win a European trophy.
Croatia and Spain have clashed 9 times in all competitions. Spain recorded five wins while the Croats had three wins with one match ending in a draw.
Croatia Vs Spain 2023 UEFA Nations League Final Team News
Spain will likely bring back their triumphant lineup in the semifinal against the Croats with Alvaro Morata expected to start in the attack with Joselu.
Laporte, Rodri, and Asensio are also expected to start with Simon in goal while Navas will lead the defense.
After winning a treble for Manchester City, Rodri will be aiming for a greater year by winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain.
Croatia’s regular names under Dalic, who led the semifinal win over Netherlands, will again be available against the Spaniards.
Livakovic will start in goal. Juranovic and Sulta will lead the defense with Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, and Perisic set to make the starting lineup after a brilliant semifinal outing against the Dutch.
Croatia Vs Spain 2023 UEFA Nations League Possible Lineup
Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Vida, Sutalo, Perisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Spain: Simon; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Merino, Rodri; Asensio, Gavi, Pino; Morata
Croatia Vs Spain 2023 UEFA Nations League final Prediction
The two sides play good attacking football hence it will be rain of goals. Both sides will score up to two goals in the match but Spain will win 3-2 after the final whistle.
