Spain have not lost competitive games since their 2-1 loss to Wales during qualification for Euro 2024 qualifying, and looked sharp from the outset against Croatia. Luis de la Fuente’s side forced mistakes from their opponent while making life difficult for an experienced Croatia squad.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two young wingers who are an ever-present threat, both found the back of the net in Berlin during the thrilling clash of Spain national football team vs Croatia national football team lineups.
Spain: Unai Simon
Unai Simon has been an excellent starter for the Spain national football team this tournament and is widely credited with saving some key penalty shootout attempts.
Tiki-taka is a style of play characterized by passing the ball quickly between opponents in close quarters to maintain possession and keep possession. This strategy was employed by Spain during both their 2008 European Championship and World Cup victories.
The current Spain team may be one of the greatest in history. They recently won Olympic Tournament and now stand a strong chance at UEFA Euro 2024. David Villa, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are some of the greatest players ever seen on an international team; together with goalkeeper Unai Simon from Athletic Bilbao who has made multiple appearances with Spain national side.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal made his first team debut for Barcelona at 16 years and 38 days. Over the next season he became one of the youngest ever La Liga starters!
Since making his full national team debut against Georgia in 2023, he has become an established fixture and even scored in one of Spain’s qualifying matches at an astounding age of 19.
Spain will likely still dominate despite losing key players Rodri and Dani Carvajal, with Unai Simon and Marc Cucurella of Arsenal playing alongside Mikel Merino of Manchester City as midfielders Aleix Garcia and Mikel Merino as part of a four-man midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi of Manchester City joining Manchester City as its latest signing Xavi from Barcelona and Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich expected to feature prominently.
Jesus Navas
Jesus Navas, a shy, quiet individual whose parents supported his learning to play football by kicking orange juice cartons outside his school, is facing the end of an incredible career. At nearly 39, having played 963 professional games and having developed arthritis in his hip, Jesus is contemplating retirement.
His absence was surprising, yet Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente did not make Del Bosque’s squad either – perhaps an indication of Diego Costa’s trust by Del Bosque. Juanfran and Azpilicueta could both fill that right-back role but neither are guaranteed starts; perhaps which ever player performs best during training will get their chance – although one must consider Xabi Alonso who has been an asset for Barcelona this season as one possible outcome.
Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal made his international comeback since March as Spain’s starting quarterback against Croatia. He helped his side gain control of the game while applying pressure to their Croatian opposition with his impressive passing skills.
He also provided excellent defense, blocking shots and clearing away crosses before being replaced in the second half by Alejandro Grimaldo.
Lamine Yamal, 16, was another standout performer for Luis de la Fuente’s side. Playing on the right for Real Madrid, Lamine made some smart passes that helped his team keep possession.
Fabian Ruiz used brilliant footwork to break through Croatia’s defence before helping Morata score, then throwing himself in celebration after scoring his second. Ruiz almost scored another with an attempted stabbed attempt, but Livakovic made an outstanding save to deny him, before eventually being replaced by Josko Gvardiol.
Iago Aspas
Few players in world football can match Iago Aspas’ success. The Celta striker boasts an illustrious international record and is widely considered one of the greatest club goalscorers ever seen in recent times.
Aspas will be key for Spain as they attempt to move up Group A4 following their first two Nations League matches, where they managed a draw and victory respectively. La Roja are without Rodri and Dani Carvajal for most of this campaign; Aspas can serve as their replacement as Spain’s starting quarterback.
Lars Knudsen’s side have come into this game on the strength of two consecutive 2-0 victories over Serbia and Switzerland, but will face an uphill task at Enrique Roca stadium due to injuries that have reduced their available defense personnel as well as potential forward players such as Breel Embolo and Manuel Akanji – likely candidates to feature.
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata has made an immediate impactful statement with his debut as Spain’s starting quarterback against Bayer Leverkusen by scoring one goal and taking three shots (one on target and two key passes in 28 minutes of action). Alvaro Morata earned this position through Atletico Madrid in Serie A and with the national team. His goalscoring prowess made an immediate statement of intent.
Morata will be an invaluable addition to Spain’s national side given their extensive injuries. AC Milan defender Dani Olmo, Fulham duo Joachim Andersen and Mikkel Damgaard as well as Barcelona’s Bryan Gil and Brentford’s Christian Norgaard all remain out due to injury.
Pau Torres, Unai Simon, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Gavi and Lamine Yamal will join Unai Simon as players who may miss time due to muscle injuries for Spain – an experienced group that the European champions will miss greatly.
Rodrigo Moreno
Rodrigo Moreno is one of the youngest players to make their senior debut for Spain at senior level and was one of their youngest goalscorers at Euro 2024, scoring in their semi-final win over France. Furthermore, Moreno has established himself as an integral member of their youth squad, being involved in their draw with England U21s earlier this season.
He will look to add to his growing number of caps as Spain look to maintain their unbeaten start to League A this season. Luis de la Fuente’s side lead Group 4 comfortably and a win would secure first place and prevent Denmark from overtaking them with three points gap. Friday at Parken Stadium should prove an interesting match-up as everything remains on the line!
Luka Modric
Luka Modric is one of the premier central midfielders in the world, capable of making precise passes and winning back possession for his team. Furthermore, he can provide deadly goal threats from right flank – something former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp once described him as being “magnificent”. Real Madrid star Luka Modric enjoys great rapport with English media as former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp described him as being absolutely superb!
Modric would typically be an automatic starter on most teams, but del Bosque may not want to disturb Barcelona’s trifecta of Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Busquets with his starting decision of Modric – although doing so could make for an interesting match-up against Iniesta or Busquets. Should he do opt to start Modric anyway he may face an uncomfortable evening.
Ivan Perisic
Spain hope to rebound after opening Nations League play with a scoreless draw against Serbia at Enrique Roca Stadium, Murcia on Sunday when they take on Denmark. Although reigning European champions Spain will be without key figures Rodri and Dani Carvajal due to injury; Lamine Yamal also cannot participate.
Perisic rejoined Hajduk Split after his contract with Tottenham Hotspur expired, and has made an immediate impact since. On Sunday in a 2-1 win against Brighton he scored and assisted on both goals while recording seven crosses (one accurate), taking three corners, and recording seven passes from defence (one accurate).
Luis de la Fuente’s side boast a wealth of quality players, which should prove too much for an out-of-form Switzerland side. But be wary, as Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji will want to end their campaign on an impressive note – expect both to feature heavily.
Mario Pasalic
Croatia has left its mark on world of football through an outstanding generation of players and an enthusiastic fanbase, marking an unforgettable journey at 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia. Their performance showcased resilience, commitment and skill!
Australia entered its inaugural Nations League with two losses to England and a draw with Sweden, but a change in tournament rules prevented relegation to League B. However, they still stand a good chance at reaching the final at future tournaments.
Many players from their 1998 World Cup squad have retired since then, while Croatia struggled during their Euro 2004 qualification campaign. Consecutive defeats to Belgium and Scotland forced Blazevic out and led to the appointment of Baric as head coach; Croatia eventually qualified through a playoff victory over Slovenia where 38-year-old Luka Modric made history by becoming oldest goal scorer at any European Championship tournament.
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