Nations League A Group 3 leaders Spain travel to Croatia on Thursday night to tangle with the World Cup runners-up. Spain lead Group 3 by two points over second place England and cannot be relegated from the group.
Croatia are fighting for their lives in League A and a loss will edge them closer to relegation to League B. Croatia were defeated 6-0 by Spain in their previous Nations League match. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic believes the team is in better shape for Thursday’s return game.
Since Croatia’s World Cup 2018 exploits, Dalic’s team has been poor. Croatia have won just once since the World Cup with their lone victory coming against Jordan in an October Friendly. Dalic has brought in several new, young players to give the team energy. Forward Josip Brekalo and midfielder Nikola Vlasic have been called into the team due to their great club form. Injuries will be an issue for Croatia as Josip Pivaric, Borna Sosa, and Borna Barisic are all out injured.
Spain’s form has been good post-World Cup. After being knocked out by Russia, Luis Enrique has overhauled the team. However, Enrique’s rampant Spain were knocked back in their most recent UEFA Nations League game. England won 3-2 and will give the Spanish a fought for the top spot in the group if La Roja slip up in Croatia.
Enrique continues to change Spain’s playing personnel. Only 11 players that appeared at the World Cup have been called up for Thursday’s fixture.
Like Dalic, Enrique has injuries to worry about. Four key players in Enrique’s long-term plans are out. Koke, Thiago, Dani Carvajal, and Diego Costa are all injured. Enrique has rewarded players in good form with their club teams. Pablo Fornals, Mario Hermoso, and Brais Mendez have all three been included.
Spain go into the fixture as the favourite, according to leading sportsbooks. The Spanish are in a stronger position than Croatia. The World Cup runners-up are struggling to find a strong starting XI. The retirement of key players is still affecting Dalic.
Despite winning by six goals in their previous meeting against Croatia, Spain won’t enjoy the same walk in the park. Croatia may not be the most in-form team in the group, but they will be playing at home.
If Spain win on Thursday night, they will qualify for the UEFA Nations League playoffs. Based on their recent performances and the talent Enrique has on hand, La Roja will win all three points and qualify for the playoffs next summer.