Croatia vs Spain
There are plenty of superb football games to catch this week. If you’re looking for a great match with a bombastic storyline to match, I reckon that there are only a few matches that can outdo the hype produced by the upcoming UEFA Nations League duel between Croatia and Spain.
La Furia Roja have gone through a resurgence of form after going through a controversial FIFA World Cup but stumbled a bit as of late. Meanwhile, the Vatreni have gone through a mixed bag of results after making one of the most improbable runs in the tournament.
Both teams boast outstanding players that can play brilliantly on any given day. While their prior match was a rather one-sided affair, the dignity of the World Cup runner-ups cannot be easily extinguished. Moreover, the Spaniards haven’t played their best football in their last Nations League match
Will the World Cup runners-up be able to avenge their embarrassing defeat to the Spaniards? Or will the Spanish red fly high at the Stadion Maksimir?
Talking Points
Spain still struggling for stability
Spain have thrived a bit under Luis Enrique after their embarrassing World Cup exit, but that doesn’t mean they finally found the right formula to help them succeed in the tournament.
While La Roja currently sit atop League A Group 4 with six points, their surprise defeat to England in last month’s drama-filled game has left the door open for the Three Lions and Vatreni to make the battle more interesting.
The biggest problem for the former Barcelona coach that was exposed by the England game is finding the right replacement for Gerard Pique. The Barcelona centre-half has called it quits on his international career, and his quality at the back hasn’t been replaced yet. There are plenty of options to pair up with team skipper Sergio Ramos, but it remains to be seen which man will be standing beside him against Croatia.
The most recent Spanish delegation might also be something a good number of Spanish footballing fans should be concerned about. The team’s current iteration is again different in composition, with plenty of players previously not called up for the October games getting the nod this time around.
Of course, this can be seen as a testament to Spain’s ability to produce top-quality talents. However, it can also be seen as a valid worry for some that Enrique hasn’t still found his best team. Fans will be hopeful that Spain find the right mix soon, as Croatia will be a good challenge.
Can Croatia Crack Past the Spaniards?
With Spain struggling to find consistency, the normal SBOBET UEFA Nations League punter would think that this is the perfect time for Croatia to take the momentum and bring the table into a further state of chaos.
However, even I doubt this current Croatia team would be able to stomp the Spaniards the way they are at the moment. They failed to grab a victory against England in a closed-door game as their Nations League game ended goallessly. That result compounds a horrible run of form that has beleaguered the team since losing to France in the final.
However, the Vatreni could be coming to this game with great confidence. Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic awarded the World Cup runners-up the Order of Duke Trpimir with Neck Badge and Morning Star, one of the highest honours that can be given by the Republic.
With Luka Modric, Ante Rebic, Ivan Rakitic and Dejan Lovren ready to suit up for Croatia, the Vatreni will be ready to roll out against the Spaniards. If they want to avenge their embarrassing loss last time out, they must make a stand here.
History
Croatia have struggled to find their footing after coming up short against France losing or drawing against equal opposition. While their latest friendly has been a successful one, there’s no doubt that their triumph over Jordan is nothing but a pick-me-up. Meanwhile, Spain have won almost every game they have played since exiting the World Cup sans their England game.
La Furia Roja also stand atop the Croats when it comes to their head-to-heads. Of the seven games they have played, four of those were won by the Spaniards. Croatia won two, and their friendly draw in 2000 is the only split in the two teams’ footballing history.
However, the latest match between the two gives extra fuel for both nations to push harder in this match. Spain scored three goals in each half as Croatia were rendered helpless in their attempts to defend their goal.
Betting Tip
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Croatia vs Spain | Over 2.50 Goals @ 2.19 |
| November 16, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
The picture painted by Croatia vs Spain odds showcase Spain as the slight leaders. They have a slightly better squad compared to their hosts and have played much better football during the second half of the year.
However, it is important to note that fans will be in attendance in this game, and Croatia supporters will be eager to cheer for their national team. I think this game will be a tight game. I reckon a couple of goals to be scored in this match, with Spain edging them out with a late goal from either Marco Asensio or Alvaro Morata.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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