Croatia (4)0-0(5) Spain Replay: UEFA Nations League 2023 Final

10:15 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the Croatia vs Spain clash in the UEFA Nations League 2023 Final. The kick-off is just two hours away! I’m your host Sayantan, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

A new winner will be crowned this time

Croatia have reached their second major final after the 2018 World Cup in Russia and have another opportunity to add silverware to a golden generation. The likes of Modric, Perisic, etc. are at the tail end of their careers, and winning a trophy will cement their existing legacy even further in modern football.

Since reaching the final in Russia in 2018, Croatia, under the leadership of Zlatko Dalic, have consistently been among the very best footballing nations. They reached the semifinal stage yet again in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, losing out to eventual champion Argentina. Now, after lodging a 2-4 extra-time win over hosts the Netherlands, they find themselves at the final hurdle to get their hands on silverware.

Form

Croatia (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-L

Spain (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-L

Players to watch

Luka Modric (Croatia)

The ever-green captain for Croatia was yet again crucial in reaching the final of the UEFA Nations League. Most of his nation’s success on the biggest stage has been down to the former Ballon d’Or winner’s performances against the top sides. He scored and assisted against the Netherlands in the overtime victory and will have to do similarly in the final to win it.

Rodri (Spain)

Similar to Modric, Rodri plays the crucial role of being the midfield engine. His ability to control the pace of his team’s play while also allowing his attacking players to shine is his greatest strength. Coming off a treble-winning season with Manchester City, he’ll look to win a trophy with his nation to complete a quadruple set of trophies for the season.

For Spain, a new generation of players can help new coach Luis De La Fuente win silverware after 2012 if they manage to beat Croatia in the final. With legends such as Ramos, Pique, Busquets, etc. no longer involved, a win in a second consecutive UEFA Nations League final appearance will kickstart a new generation of success.

They face a talented and motivated Croatian side that looks slightly more experienced on paper, and beating them would be considered a big success.

Match facts for Croatia vs Spain

• Spain has reached the second consecutive UEFA Nations League final. They lost to France 2-1 in the previous final.
• Croatia will win their first major trophy if they beat Spain in the final.

Injury & team news for Croatia vs Spain

Croatia will be without centre-back Gvardiol for the final. Fullback Sutalo could also be out with an injury. Spain might have an injury doubt with Rodrigo.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 9

Croatia wins – 3

Spain wins – 5

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineup for Croatia vs Spain

Croatia predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Livakovic; Juranovic, Vida, Sutalo, Perisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec

Spain predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Simon; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Merino, Rodri; Asensio, Gavi, Pino; Morata