Croatia will be hoping that they can finally win what would be their first title as an independent nation when the Vatreni face Spain in the 2023 UEFA Nations League final on Sunday. Zlatko Dalic's side once again showed their sheer determination to battle to a 4-2 win over the Netherlands in the semi-finals, with two of their goals coming in extra time.
Fresh off securing third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Croatia have been in solid form, picking up a draw and a win from their EURO 2024 qualifiers prior to the recommencement of the UEFA Nations League this month. Despite his advancing years, midfield star Luka Modric shows no sign of slowing down as he played nearly the entire tie against the Netherlands, and even scored a late penalty to effectively clinch the match before being subbed off in the last moments of the game.
Croatia will also be keen on revenge on Spain for their defeat at EURO 2020, a game that also went to extra time, but unlike in other games where the Vatreni used that to their advantage, they ended up on the losing end of a 5-3 score-line after Spain netted twice in the extra 30 minutes allotted.
Meanwhile, Spain, who are into the finals for the second time, avoided extra-time in their game against Italy earlier this week thanks to a late goal from Joselu to down the Azzurri 2-1. La Furia Roja were beaten 2-1 by France in their last Nations League final appearance and thus will naturally aim to make amends for that when they face Croatia on Sunday.
Spain will certainly know that Croatia will present a tough opponent, but will hope the fact that they've played 30 minutes less of football could help them somewhat as they take on a team who have been upsetting the odds for at least the last couple of years.
Match facts: Croatia vs Spain
- This will be the 10th meeting between Croatia and Spain, with La Furia Roja winning five of those (D1 L3)
- Three of the last four meetings between Croatia and Spain have seen at least five goals scored
Team news: Croatia vs Spain
Croatia: Josko Gvardiol appears to be Croatia's only injury absence for this game.
Spain: No fresh injury concerns for Spain.
Broadcast info: Croatia vs Spain
Here's how you can catch Croatia vs Spain if you live in one of the following countries:
USA: ViX, VIX+, Fubo Sports Network
UK: Channel 4, Viaplay Sports 1
Spain: TVE La 1, RTVE.es, fuboTV España
Croatia: Nova TV, Sportklub 1 Croatia
Canada: DAZN
Live elsewhere? Here's how you can follow Croatia vs Spain live from wherever you are based:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
