Croatia face Spain as Nations League quarter-final race intensifies
Croatia and Spain meet in the Nations League, with Spain able to secure a place in the quarter-finals if they win and England avoid defeat against the Czech Republic. The match follows Croatia’s recent loss to England, which has prompted questions about the team’s performance and response.
Croatia captain Luka Modrić said the manner of the defeat mattered more than losing itself, and that the team hoped supporters would judge their play after the match. He called Spain the world’s best team and said Croatia needed to correct its mistakes, play aggressively and limit Spain’s space.
- Spain can qualify for the quarter-finals with a win over Croatia.
- Croatia are seeking a response after their defeat to England.
- Modrić says Croatia must be aggressive and restrict Spain’s options.
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The Nations League is an international football competition for European national teams. Teams compete in groups, with the strongest advancing to the knockout stage to compete for the title.
Spain and Croatia are among the nations competing for a knockout stage place in the Nations League. Spain can secure qualification if they beat Croatia and England fail to defeat the Czech Republic in a simultaneous match. Croatia's recent loss to England has complicated their position in this competition.
For both teams, this match carries significant weight. Spain can move substantially closer to the knockout stage with a win. Croatia need to respond to their recent defeat and maintain their qualification hopes.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Scotland v Slovenia, Croatia v Spain, and more: Nations League football – live”.