UNL: Croatia vs. Spain Preview, Betting Tips, Prediction, Picks

The UEFA Nations League ends this Sunday in Rotterdam, where Croatia and Spain meet to decide who will be the next champion of this competition. Luka Modric and Croatia are on the verge of winning their first trophy, which would be arguably the biggest achievement for this tiny country in the Balkans. On the other side, Spain was the European and the World champion, and after the recent tournament in Qatar, the Red Fury needs something to wash away the bad memories. 

Preview

Croatia (+275) defeated the hosts, the Netherlands, in the semis of this tournament. After 90 minutes, the result was tied, 2-2, with the Oranje scoring a goal in the injury time, but the Croats didn’t collapse after that. 

It happened quite the opposite. They rose to the occasion and went on to make another push, scoring twice and earning the ticket to the finals. When we said that the mentality of this unit is its biggest virtue, we weren’t wrong at all.

This team knows how to play to get a favorable result, and they have been doing that for quite a while. Lately, when Croatia plays, we see quite a lot of goals – three of the previous four ended with both teams netting and four of the last five with three or more scores. 

Spain (+100) beat Italy in the best possible moment. The result of that event was 2-1 for the Red Fury, who endured plenty of problems since the New Year. Prior to that was a shameful exit from the World Cup, Luis Enrique’s resignation, and all the turbulences. 

The most recent kick in the teeth was the loss on the road in Scotland, 2-0, and that was something that aroused the public, with the football association being under heavy pressure ever since. 

Spain’s four of the previous five appearances finished with moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals. They like to slow down the pace but still frequently concede. 

Latest News

There isn’t any information about injuries in either of the teams, nor about the possible suspensions. 

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Head to Head Games

The fact that these teams met frequently in the past only adds up more tension before the game. Spain was better than Croatia in the EURO 2021 quarterfinals. They would beat the Croats 5-3, only after the extra times in which they netted twice. 

Before that event, they were in the 2018 UEFA Nations League, where each team got a win, Spain 6-0 at home and Croatia 3-2 also at home. At the 2016 EURO, Croatia won 2-1. 

Prediction

Many believe that the respective sides in this contest might use defensive-minded tactics, but even if they do, we expect at least one hit on each end of the field. Why? Both the Croats and the Spaniards have problems in defense, and as you can see, often concede. There isn’t too much thinking with this pick, because BTTS looks like the most logical solution, especially when we see that it is priced at -115. It is a very valuable pick with these profits, so why not cashing it in.

Pick: Both teams to score -115