Doha, Qatar: The stage is set for a riveting clash at the UEFA Euro 2024 as Spain and Croatia prepare to lock horns once again.
This marks the fourth consecutive edition of the tournament where these two footballing giants have crossed paths, a feat only matched by Spain and Italy's meetings from 2008 to 2020.
Spain holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record, having won two of their previous three encounters, including a thrilling 5-3 extra-time victory in their most recent meeting at Euro 2021.
That match stands as the second-highest scoring game in the tournament's history, and if recent trends continue, fans at the Feyenoord Stadium can expect another goal-fest, as three of the last four clashes between Spain and Croatia have featured at least five goals.
La Roja, three-time Euro champions, have been a dominant force in the tournament, reaching the knockout stages in six of their last seven appearances.
Their record is impressive, having lost only two of their last 22 matches in the Euros, both coming against Croatia and Italy in 2016. Spain's attack has been lethal inside the box, with their last 50 goals at the tournament all coming from close range.
As the referee's whistle signals the start of this highly-anticipated encounter, all eyes will be on the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Modrić, and Kovačić, as they look to steer their respective nations to glory and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
With pride, passion, and a place in the next round on the line, this Spain-Croatia clash promises to be an unmissable spectacle for football fans around the globe.
Stay tuned as we bring you highlights from the stadium as and when it happens!
Full Time!
90'+ 6 Unai Simón (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
90'+ 5 Perišić (Croatia) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Carvajal (Spain).
90'+ 4 Šutalo (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
90'+ 4 Oyarzabal (Spain) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Šutalo (Croatia).
90'+ 3 Ferran Torres (Spain) takes the corner.
90'+ 2 Perišić (Croatia) misses the target.
90'+ 1 Brozović (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
90' Ferran Torres (Spain) commits a foul.
90' Nacho (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
90' Mario Pašalić (Croatia) is penalised for a foul on Nacho (Spain).
83' Croatia have given away a free-kick following a reckless challenge on Spain.
83' Pongračić (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
82' Oyarzabal (Spain) is penalised for a foul on Šutalo (Croatia).
82' Rodri (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
82' Pongračić (Croatia) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Oyarzabal (Spain).
VAR decision: indirect free-kick confirmed
VAR check in progress
80' Unai Simón (Spain) makes a save.
80' Assist by Perišić (Croatia)
80' Penalty missed
Petković's (Croatia) penalty is saved by the goalkeeper.
78' Rodri (Spain) concedes a penalty for a foul on Petković (Croatia).
The Man City midfielder is penalised for a foul on Petković, who was about to pull the trigger following an error from Unai Simón. Can Croatia get a goal back?
77' Gvardiol (Croatia) takes an indirect free-kick.
77' Yamal (Spain) is flagged for offside.
76' Sučić (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
76' Le Normand (Spain) is penalised for a foul on Petković (Croatia).
60' Nacho (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
55' Unai Simón (Spain) makes a save.
53' Williams (Spain) delivers the corner.
52' Livaković (Croatia) makes a save.
50' Rodri (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
50' Pongračić (Croatia) is penalised for a foul on Rodri (Spain).
49' Rodri (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
47' Rodri (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
47' Gvardiol (Croatia) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Rodri (Spain).
HALF TIME!
Spain 3-0 Croatia
45'+ 2 Gooooal!
Spain make it three before the break! It's a fabulous ball from Yamal, whose left-footed, inswinging delivery is touched home by Carvajal from close range. De la Fuente's team are firmly in control in Berlin!
⚽⚽⚽
32'Gooooal!
A quickfire second for Spain!
29' Gooooal!
Spain take the lead in Berlin! Fabián Ruiz's perfectly weighted pass splits the Croatia defence and finds Morata, who times his run to perfection. The striker steadies himself and calmly slides the ball beyond the onrushing Livaković to break the deadlock.
20' Pongračić (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
20' Morata (Spain) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Pongračić (Croatia).
The goat!
???????? One of the greats.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VWk536as4B
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024
18' Majer (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
17' Cucurella (Spain) is penalised for a foul on Majer (Croatia).
The youngest ever!
???????????? Lamine Yamal (16 years and 338 days) becomes the ???????????????????????????????? player to ever play in the Euros. pic.twitter.com/j1b64NBzoJ
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 15, 2024
14' Brozović (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
14' Williams (Spain) is penalised for a foul on Pongračić (Croatia).
13' Brozović (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
12' Yamal (Spain) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Kovačić (Croatia).
10' Williams (Spain) takes a direct free-kick.
10' Šutalo (Croatia) concedes a free-kick for a foul on Morata (Spain).
7' Livaković (Croatia) makes a save.
7' Morata (Spain) has an attempt on goal.
4' Modrić (Croatia) takes a direct free-kick.
3' Cucurella (Spain) is penalised for a foul on Majer (Croatia).
MATCH BEGINS
IN VIDEO: The marvelous sight of Olympiastadion stadium
???????????????????? Olympiastadion ????️#EURO2024 | #ESPCRO pic.twitter.com/ecHDa9Pjgt
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024
Player lineups
