Spain chase group lead as Olmo warns of a dangerous Croatia in Split

The floodlights blaze over Stadion Poljud in Split as fans await the Nations League showdown, and Dani Olmo tells the press he expects a Croatia that will be "even more dangerous" after their 0-7 loss to Inglaterra.

Olmo added that playing in front of the Croatian crowd will raise the difficulty of the encounter, a factor he believes will test España’s composure.

Luis de la Fuente described Lamine Yamal as a player with "la ansiedad del genio", calling the winger a natural winner and highlighting his competitive character ahead of the match.

Una España arrives in Split riding a wave of ten consecutive victories and an unbeaten run of forty‑one games, a streak the side hopes to extend tonight.

Spain aim to retain group leadership

Maintaining first place in Group 3 is crucial; finishing as leaders would allow España to face a second‑placed opponent in the quarter‑finals and host the second leg at home.

Spain chase a win in Split before the Nations League quarter‑finals

Croatia, under Slaven Bilić, sit third with only three points, meaning a defeat coupled with an England win over the Czech Republic could end their hopes of reaching the last eight.

Line‑ups confirmed for the showdown

Croatia’s official eleven features Livaković; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic and Gvardiol; Modrić and Jakic; Vlasic, Kovacic, Perišić and Matanović.

España’s starting XI reads: Unai Simón; Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte and Cucurella; Rodri and Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Baena; Oyarzabal. Con este ONCE INICIAL vamos a buscar la clasificación para los cuartos de final.

Spain secures quarter‑final spot, England chase promotion in London

The line‑up reflects de la Fuente’s decision to drop rotations, reinstating Simón, Cubarsi, Cucurella and Oyarzabal after the recent tactical overhaul.