The excitement is building as Euro 2024 commences with a high-stakes match between Spain and Croatia at Berlin's iconic Olympiastadion. This clash marks the fourth meeting between these two football powerhouses in the history of the European Championship.
Spain, aiming for their fourth European title, faces a Croatia team led by the legendary Luka Modric. At 38, Modric brings unmatched experience to the field, having recently secured a league and Champions League double with Real Madrid.
Spain enters the tournament on a strong note, securing impressive victories over Andorra and Northern Ireland during their warm-up matches. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal has been in exceptional form, netting four goals in the lead-up games.
Croatia, under the guidance of coach Zlatko Dalic, also showcased their prowess with a promising win against Portugal. The team is eager to avenge their previous encounters, where Spain triumphed in dramatic fashion during Euro 2020 and the UEFA Nations League final last year.
Adding an interesting twist to the rivalry, Spain's midfielder Dani Olmo, who played for Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb from 2014 to 2020, developed strong bonds with Croatian teammates. Dalic has expressed a wish for the talented Olmo to don the Croatian jersey, highlighting the deep connections within the sport.
As the tournament unfolds, fans around the globe are tuning in to watch these storied teams battle it out on the grand stage, promising unforgettable moments and fierce competition.
Reference(s):
Euro 2024: Familiar foes Spain and Croatia clash again in group opener
cgtn.com
