The opening match in Group B at Euro 2024 sees Spain and Croatia going head to head in Berlin. 3x winners Spain are among the favourites to win the tournament. However, the experience of Croatia means that this is one of the games that fans are eagerly anticipating. Ahead of kick-off at the Olympiastadion on June 18, we take a closer look at the two teams and their betting odds.
Spain vs Croatia: Initial Situation
Drawn in Group B , Spain and Croatia are not guaranteed to reach the Round of 16 this summer. The duo will also play against Italy and Albania. This means that a strong start is necessary. Spain and Croatia have met multiple times over recent years, with little separating them on the pitch. Spain won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. However, they have not reached the finals since then. 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia has never gone beyond the Euro quarter-finals.
Spain Stats & Form
Spain qualified for Euro 2024 with minimal fuss. They suffered just one defeat in Group A, coming against Scotland at Hampden Park. They scored 25 goals in winning seven out of eight matches. Leading up to Euro 2024, Spain recorded a 3-3 draw against Brazil.
However, they were also beaten 1-0 by Colombia. Such results demonstrate the team’s inconsistency at present. Alongside host nation Germany, Spain holds the record for the most European Championship titles.
Croatia Stats & Form
Despite only scoring 13 goals during their campaign, Croatia qualified for the finals after finishing as runners-up in Group D. Since then, they beat Tunisia on penalties following a 0-0 draw in a friendly. This was followed by a 4-2 win against Egypt. Croatia reached the final of the 2018 World Cup, before finishing in third place four years later.
Spain vs Croatia: Head to Head
Spain and Croatia most recently met in the final of the UEFA Nations League. In July 2023, Spain won 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw. Previously, Spain had beaten Croatia 5-3 in the Euro 2020 Round of 16. This was the result after extra-time, with the score having been 3-3 after 90 minutes. The last time Croatia beat Spain was in the Nations League back in 2018. There has only ever been one draw between the two nations. This was in a friendly international in 2000.
Spain vs Croatia Odds
Their history in the tournament means that Spain is the favourite to claim all three points in their opening Euro 2024 match. You can back La Roja to beat Croatia at odds of 7/10. Those looking to back a surprise Croatian victory can take advantage of 4/1 odds. A draw would not be a surprise, given how both teams will be desperate not to lose. This market is priced at 27/10.
Betting tip and prediction: Spain vs Croatia(15/06/2024)
This is a difficult game to predict. This is because of the quality of the two teams. Spain’s new-look team may take time to find their best form. As for Croatia, the likes of Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic are not getting any younger. We suggest betting on the both teams to score market. The “Yes” option is available at 4/5 at 10Bet. This represents good value in our opinion.