World champions Spain will host Croatia in matchday two of the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, September 28, at 8:45 PM local time (18:45 GMT) at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. The match features a notable matchup between 19-year-old Lamine Yamal and 41-year-old Luka Modric.
Both teams started their campaigns with victories; Spain achieved a 3-2 comeback win over England, while Croatia secured a 2-1 win against Czechia. Spain, currently on a 39-game winning streak, aims to claim their second Nations League title after winning in 2023.
The UEFA Nations League, established in 2018, aims to reduce the number of friendly matches by providing competitive fixtures among European nations. The competition features a league structure with promotion and relegation.
In their last encounter at UEFA Euro 2024, Spain defeated Croatia 3-0, with goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal.
Lamine Yamal has made a significant impact this season, scoring seven goals in La Liga, while Dani Olmo contributed with an assist in the recent match against England. Luka Modric continues to perform at a high level, scoring in Croatia's opening match under coach Slaven Bilic. Ivan Perisic is also a key player, having assisted in the last game and contributing to his club PSV Eindhoven this season.
Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised the current generation of players for their commitment to improvement. Croatia's coach, Slaven Bilic, expressed pride in having Luka Modric on the team, highlighting his exceptional performance at an advanced age.
In terms of team news, Spain's goalkeeper Joan Garcia is sidelined due to a knee injury, while defender Eric Garcia has been replaced by Robin Le Normand. Croatia will be without left winger Martin Baturina and right-back Josip Juranovic due to illness, and center-back Martin Erlic is injured.
Probable Spain XI: Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Ferran Torres.
Probable Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Franjo Ivanovic; Igor Matanovic.