On Sunday, June 18th at 19:45pm BST, Croatia will take on Spain in the Nations League Final. Croatia looked very impressive in their Semi-Final win over The Netherlands, scoring three goals in extra time. Spain, meanwhile, beat Italy with a late goal, also. My expert football tips for the big match can be found below.
Dalic’s Side in Good Place to Win the Trophy
Croatia were so impressive against the Netherlands in their Semi-Final clash on Wednesday evening. They started very brightly and then fell behind, completely against the run of play. Thanks to a penalty, Croatia got back into the match and then took the lead, once again, deservedly. However, the Netherlands hit back in the 96th minute of the game. In the very last minute of the added 6 minutes of extra time.
Many thought that the Netherlands would go on to win that tie. Momentum looked to be with the Dutch and they were getting more into the match. However, Zlatko Dalic’s men dug in deep and with the magical in the middle performing miracles, Luka Modric inspired Croatia to score three goals in extra time and win the tie 4-2.
They now go into a final very much the more in-form team and with every chance of lifting this trophy.
La Roja Still Lacking That Special Something
Spain came through the match with Italy with a 2-1 win. However, I feel like Italy could have won that match and, in fact, at 1-1, Italy took the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR because of an offside. It was the turning point of the match and after this happened, Spain completely dominated the possession and the match. From this moment, it felt like we were waiting for the Spanish goal. It eventually came in the final 10 minutes.
Spain still miss something in my opinion. I think when we look at Croatia and how excellent they were in the centre of midfield with the likes of Modric and Marcelo Brozovic and even when they brought players on, they performed to a high standard. I think Spain lacks what they perhaps had a few years ago. As I mentioned before, they’ve only now won 2 matches in their last 6 played.
Head-to-Head Meetings
Spain beat Croatia 5-3 the last time they met. It was the European Championships two years ago. However, in this UEFA Nations League format, Croatia have beaten Spain the last time they met, back in 2018. Both teams have won 2 each in the last 4 matches.
Croatia vs Spain Betting Tips
I’m on Croatia to win the event pre-semi-finals at 5/1 but I would put nobody off a bet on Croatia. I think they win tomorrow night. Their top players are performing at the right time and with Brozovic, Andre Kramaric, Modric and co, I think they lift the Nations League trophy.
Croatia to Lift the Trophy @ 6/4 with Betfair promo code
All odds are accurate at the time of writing.
