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Croatia vs Spain Tips & Predictions - La Roja to Keep Winning in the Nations League

alex-waite
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Last updated: Sun 04 Oct 2026 13:56
Spain are predicted to win their upcoming Nations League match against Croatia, who have been outplayed in recent games. Spain's dangerous attacking lineup makes them favorites, and experts recommend betting on a Spain win with over 2.5 match goals. Additionally, over 3.5 goals is seen as a worthwhile option, reflecting expectations for an action-packed game. Fans can look forward to entertaining football and solid betting opportunities as confidence runs high in Spain’s attacking prowess.
Alex Waite 1 hour ago
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  • Croatia were thrashed 7-0 by England on Saturday
  • Spain have won 3 Nations League games and scored 10 goals
  • In-form La Roja can seal a high-scoring Group A3 victory
Spain
Spain have won their last 3 games (Getty)

Croatia vs Spain Preview


Croatia’s defence has been very leaky in the Nations League and Spain are scoring plenty. Another big La Roja win is the best bet in this Group A3 encounter. 

Key Stats - La Roja in Top Form


  • Croatia have seen over 4.5 goals in their last 2 games.
  • Spain have won their last 3 matches.
  • Spain have seen over 3.5 goals in their last 3 games. 

H2H - Spain Dominate


Spain have an 8-3 advantage against Croatia, alongside one draw.

Croatia Thrashed in Their Last 2


Croatia are on the downturn following three defeats in their previous four matches in all competitions. The Blazers have conceded 14 goals during that run.

Slaven Bilic’s side started their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 away win over the Czech Republic. A heavy 4-1 defeat in Spain followed, where Croatia allowed 1.81 XG and faced 16 shots.

The Blazers suffered their biggest-ever international defeat on Saturday after a 7-0 home loss to England. Bilic’s side allowed 6.43 XG, were 4-0 down at half time and shipped three more goals in the second period. 

Spain Going From Strength to Strength 


Luis de la Fuente’s Spain are the most in-form team in international football. The 2026 World Cup winners are on a 41-match unbeaten run and have won 32 games.

La Roja have raced to the top of Nations League Group A3 with three consecutive victories.

Spain came back from 2-1 down to beat England 3-2 at Wembley in their opening match. A 4-1 home triumph over Croatia followed as Lamine Yamal, Marc Pubill and Nico Williams scored.

The winning streak continued after a 3-1 home win against the Czech Republic. Spain dominated with 18 shots and Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino found the net. 

Predicted Starting Lineups, Squads & Team News


Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Ivan Smolcic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Joskov Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Ivan Perisic; Dion Beljo

Defenders Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic withdrew from Croatia duty earlier in the international break due to injury. 

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Luka Vuskovic, Ivan Smolcic
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Josip Misic
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Beljo

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Fermin Lopez, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena

Forward Nico Williams and midfielder Ferran Torres are unavailable due to injury.

Fabian Ruiz was out for the Czech Republic game and could miss out again. The midfielder was absent from Spain duty for the birth of his first child. 

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Josep Martínez
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Alex Grimaldo, Dean Huijsen, Marc Pubill, Ivan Fresneda
Midfielders: Rodri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Yeremy Pino, Alex Baena, Fermín Lopez, Víctor Munoz
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Roberto Fernández, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal

Verdict

Croatia have been outplayed in recent matches and Spain have a dangerous attack. Stick with a La Roja win and over 2.5 goals in the Nations League.

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alex-waite
Alex Waite

Football Writer • 10+ Years Of Experience, Football Betting Analyst

Alex is a full-time sports writer, covering football, cricket, golf, rugby and tennis as well as providing informative betting guides.

Alex was born in London and studied at Swansea University in Wales. He used to work as a teacher in London but changed a few years ago to work as a full-time sports writer. Mostly enjoys watching and writing about football, cricket, golf, rugby and tennis.

Also featured at OneFootball, Football Whispers and World Soccer Talk and can be found at LinkedIn, Twitter and Game Day Stories SubStack.

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