Spain vs Croatia: World champions face Modric's side in first home match since Mundial triumph
World and European champions Spain host Croatia in the Nations League in Seville, their first home game since winning the World Cup in July. The clash has also drawn attention as a generational duel between Luka Modric and Lamine Yamal amid Ballon d'Or talk.
A historic night in Seville
Spain host Croatia in matchday two of Nations League Group A3, in what beIN SPORTS notes is the world and European champions' first home fixture since lifting the World Cup in July by beating Argentina in the final. Luis de la Fuente's side have gone 39 games unbeaten in normal time, winning 30 and drawing 9. They extended that run with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over England at Wembley, with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the winner.
Croatia, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia, with Luka Modric among the scorers. After the first round, Croatia sit second in the group, behind Spain only on goal difference.
Modric vs Yamal in the Ballon d'Or spotlight
DAZN frames the match partly as a contrast between 41-year-old Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, and 19-year-old Spanish star Lamine Yamal, who has spoken openly this month about his belief he deserves this year's award. According to DAZN's assessment, Yamal is arguably only a distant third favourite behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Yamal underlined his form with a goal in the win over England.
Coach's comments
Ahead of the match, De la Fuente said Spain have "recovered the spirit of 2010," adding that people are proud to be Spanish and that, with a house of his own in Seville, the occasion carries special emotion for him personally. He praised Croatia for having world-class players and a competent new coach, warning against underestimating them. Spain are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Croatia, winning two and drawing the third — a Nations League match they eventually won on penalties.
Possible lineup changes
De la Fuente indicated several players who featured against England will be rested, giving others a chance to start. He was especially complimentary about Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, who missed the World Cup through injury but has impressed for his club this season: "He gives us energy, vitality, intensity, a lot of talent, class, and finishing ability," the coach said, adding that Lopez, alongside Dani Olmo, fits the team's style of play perfectly.
