Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Croatia vs. Spain at UEFA Nations League
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Croatia vs. Spain at UEFA Nations League
This edition of the UEFA Nations League finals will feature Croatia and Spain, the two teams that reached the title battle after presenting excellent performances throughout the entire campaign. Croatia was better in the semis than the hosts, the Netherlands, while Spain defeated Italy in a European classic, netting in the final minutes of the event. These two units have met in the past and know one another very well. That’s why we can expect to see a ferocious fight at De Kuip, the home of Feyenoord.
Croatia
The Croats have been better than Oranje, 4-2, in the semis after 120 minutes of an exhausting fight. Once again, Luka Modric confirmed his status of the all-time greats, with the Real Madrid midfielder making magic in the extra time. Despite his age, Modric stayed on the pitch for 119 minutes, orchestrating the Croatian midfield and setting up chances for his teammates.
Zlatko Dalic’s unit showed incredible will and mental power to overcome all the problems and adversities, coming back from a deficit at halftime, allowing a goal in the final minutes of the event, but still winning in the end.
This will be a perfect chance for the Croats to win at least one trophy and crown Luka’s incredible career. Though, they will need to be at the highest possible level.
Spain
After suffering several blows in a row, Spain posted one big win and now has a chance to win a trophy and get out of the negative situation. The Red Fury beat Italy in the semis, 2-1, advancing to the finals, even though they didn’t convince us they were a better team than Azzurri.
This was a breath of fresh air after losing at the World Cup in the first knockout round and suffering a heavy slap in the face against Scotland in the EURO qualifiers.
The game against Italy was the sixth in the past seven for Spain with moderate efficiency, meaning two or three goals.
Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Erlic, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Merino; Asensio, Gavi, Fati; Morata
The last time these two teams met was in the quarterfinals of the EURO 2020, where Spain won after the extra times, 5-3, 3-3 in the regular part of the game. In 2018, they faced in the UEFA Nations League, with Spain winning at home, 6-0 and Croatia at home, 3-2.
Spain hasn’t got a reliable defense, and they often concede in the past few games. On the other side, a similar thing could be said for Croatia, and that’s why both teams scoring is the best possible option here.
Our verdict: Both teams to score