Croatia vs Spain - UEFA Nations League Preview and Odds

Published on: 14/11/2018

Croatia vs Spain - UEFA Nations League Preview and Odds

November 15, 2018 19:45pm - Stadion Maksimir

UEFA Nations League

Croatia will look to rediscover the form that took them all the way to the World Cup final in the summer. Since then, they have won just one of the four matches they have played - a 2-1 victory against the minnows of Jordan - and were humiliated 6-0 in the reverse fixture against Spain.

A rematch against World Cup semi-final opponents England on home soil in the Nations League ended 0-0 while a 1-1 draw in Portugal was their most respectable looking result. Zlatko Dalic`s men will be keen to show the thrashing at the hands of Spain was just a blip and we could see a more determined performance on Thursday night.

The defensive weaknesses shown against Spain are a worry, as is their lack of potency in the final third. They will have to improve drastically in both areas to get a positive result against the Spaniards.

In contrast, Spain have shown some good form since their disappointing World Cup exit winning three of the four matches they have played beating England at Wembley and Wales in Cardiff either side of the rout against Croatia. However, they did slip up last time out falling 3-2 to England in Seville.

Luis Enrique has surprised with his team selection calling up Espanyol centre-back Mario Hermoso, Villarreal`s Pablo Fornals and Celta Vigo midfielder Brais Mendez and leaving out Marcos Alonso, Nacho, Raul Albiol, Marc Bartra, Paco Alcacer while Koke and Thiago are both injured.

The new boss is wasting no time in making his mark on the squad has sent a clear message that no ones place in the team is safe. This may have been prompted by the defeat to England last time out in which some players seemed to switch off at key moments.

Recent form (All competitions)

Croatia: WDLDL

Spain: LWWWL

Betting odds and tips

Luis Enrique`s teams have never been too focused on defensive duties preferring instead to rely on their attacking superiority to overcome teams. This could give Croatia the chance to get on the score sheet in front of their home crowd. However, Spain have scores 14 in their last four matches and should have the quality to come out on top.

You can back Spain/Both Teams to Score at 15/4.

By Neil Morris