Spain vs Croatia prediction and betting tips - June 15, 2024
Dillan George
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
On Saturday, June 15, in the opening match of Euro 2024, Spain will face Croatia in Berlin. The match kicks off at 18:00 Central European Time. Predictions and betting tips for this match have been prepared by the analysts at Dailysports.
Spain
As usual, Spain is among the favorites to win the European Championship, having claimed the title three times in their history. However, for Euro 2024, bookmakers rank Spain fourth behind England, France, and Germany. This ranking is due to Spain's disappointing performance in the World Cup and their lack of stability in the starting lineup.
Nevertheless, Spain confidently secured their qualification for the European Championship. In their qualifying group, the Spanish team suffered a defeat away to Scotland, 0-2, but did not drop any more points, finishing ahead of Cyprus, Norway, and Georgia. Over 8 matches, Spain scored an impressive 25 goals and conceded only 8.
In preparation for the European Championship, Spain played two friendly matches. In each of these games, Luis de la Fuente's team scored 5 goals. First, "La Furia Roja" thrashed Andorra 5-0, and then they dismantled Northern Ireland 5-1.
Croatia
The Croatian national team has not been as successful in the European Championships as they have in the World Cups. Their best result in the Euros so far is reaching the quarterfinals, which they achieved in 1996 and 2008.
Zlatko Dalić's team was one of the major disappointments in the Euro 2024 qualifying cycle. The World Cup semifinalists were on the verge of going to the playoffs but managed to finish second behind Turkey, ahead of Wales. It was thanks to Wales' two final matches, where they drew and lost, that Croatia secured their spot. Notably, Croatia brings one of the oldest squads to Germany, featuring all their legendary players, including Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović, and Domagoj Vida.
This month, Croatia played two friendly matches. First, they thrashed North Macedonia and then surprisingly defeated Portugal 2-1 away.
Interesting facts about the match and head-to-head history
- Spain eliminated Croatia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 in a thrilling match that ended 5-3 after extra time.
- A year ago, Spain and Croatia met in the UEFA Nations League final, where Spain won in a penalty shootout.
- This will be the 11th meeting between Spain and Croatia. Spain has won 6 times, while Croatia has won 3 times.
Spain vs Croatia prediction
Given Croatia's performance in the qualifying cycle, Spain appears to be the favorite. My prediction is a victory for “La Furia Roja.”
