Spain Takes On Croatia in Nations League Showdown: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Spain's UEFA Nations League journey continues on home turf against Croatia on Tuesday, with the world champions set to receive a warm reception from their supporters.

La Roja are playing on home ground for the first time since Ferran Torres' extra-time goal added a second star to their shirt at MetLife Stadium. Spain navigated their way through the World Cup and hit peak form when it counted most, dispatching France with surprising ease in the semifinals before edging out a narrow win in the final against a tenacious Argentina side.

While those who follow the Premier League closely have noted that Tottenham Hotspur seem to have lost the knack for winning, the Spanish national team tells a completely different story. Luis de la Fuente has transformed La Roja into a formidable force, and their quality was put to the test by England in their Nations League opener on Saturday.

Spain fought back after Harry Kane wasted an opportunity to put the hosts 3–1 ahead from the penalty spot, with substitutes Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal netting to secure a 3–2 win at Wembley.

This is one of the greatest international sides ever assembled, and Croatia will need to be flawless to overcome the world's top team.

Zlatko Dalić stepped down as Croatia's head coach following the World Cup, concluding a nine-year stint in charge. Slaven Bilić has returned to the dugout, having previously enjoyed a productive six-year spell early in his managerial career. His second tenure began with a 2–1 win over Czechia.

Spain vs. Croatia Score Prediction

Spain Triumph on Celebratory Night

The footballing world continues to puzzle over how anyone can break down this dominant Spain side. England's high-intensity approach certainly gave De la Fuente's squad some anxious moments, even if the manager maintained his players were rarely rattled at Wembley.

Croatia's midfield could potentially wrestle control away from Spain's playmakers, but this Croatian engine room is far from its peak. As a result, it will take something extraordinary from the visitors, particularly given their limited attacking threat, for Spain to slip up on what promises to be a festive evening in Seville.

Prediction: Spain 2–0 Croatia

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Croatia

The world champions are missing Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García for this international break due to a knee injury, and Pedro Porro was also ruled out after picking up a knock in Tottenham Hotspur's 3–2 loss to Aston Villa.

Porro's unavailability forces De la Fuente to reshuffle the right side of his backline. Atlético Madrid's Marc Pubill, a capable center back by nature, completed 90 minutes at right back against England and is expected to keep his place in Spain's defense on Tuesday.

With three additional fixtures in this international window, rotation further up the field is anticipated. Pedri's combination with Rodri has yet to truly click at club level after the duo struggled to find their rhythm together at the World Cup, but De la Fuente is expected to give the partnership another opportunity.

Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal's impressive substitute appearances at Wembley should earn them starting berths on Tuesday at the expense of Nico Williams and Ferran Torres, respectively.

Spain predicted lineup vs. Croatia (4-2-3-1): Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Dalic may have departed, but there remains a strong sense of continuity within this Croatia squad. Luka Modrić continues to shine at 41 years of age, having found the net in Saturday's win over Czechia.

Martin Baturina, who caught the eye at the World Cup and has begun the season impressively with Champions League newcomers Como, is currently dealing with illness, while defender Martin Erlić is sidelined through injury.

Striker Igor Matanović has reportedly drawn transfer interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but the Freiburg forward could lose his place in Bilić's lineup to Osasuna veteran Ante Budimir. Andrej Kramarić represents another central striking option for the away side.

Croatia predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišić, Vušković, Gvardiol, Perišić; Modrić, Kovačić; L. Sučić, P. Sučić, Ivanović; Budimir.

What Time Does Spain vs. Croatia Kick Off?

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