Spain seeks impenetrable defence against Croatia at the Nations League

La Roja has moved from the defensive wall that allowed it to win the World Cup, conceding a goal, to a fragility that is reflected in the four goals conceded in the three Nations League matches since it earned its second star. Luis de la Fuente and his team are preparing to face Croatia tomorrow at 20 h 45 in Split.

Results and qualification

Spain beat England 3‑2, Croatia 4‑1 and the Czech Republic 3‑1 in its three Nations League commitments. With ten goals scored and four conceded, the national team ranks as the second most prolific, only behind England. A draw against the Vatreni would be enough to secure passage to the next round, as one point separates Spain from automatic qualification.

“There will be no relaxation. I know these players, they want to keep winning, keep making history, we want to keep growing, because it is the only way to achieve objectives. The desire to improve must always be constant, and this team has it,” the coach said before the training camp.

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Defensive problems and upcoming challenge

In the Nations League only six national teams improve their defensive numbers: France and Belgium with one goal, Germany with two, and Greece, Portugal and England with three. Spain shares the same number of goals conceded with the Netherlands (under Xavi Hernández), Wales and Italy. Up to the current window, La Roja had not conceded in 14 of its last 18 matches.

The team trained in Las Rozas on Sunday and will fly to Split on Monday, where it will play the match against Croatia at 20 h 45. A point in Split would allow La Roja to secure qualification without doubt.

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Thus, while the attack remains lethal, the priority shifts to regaining the defensive solidity that characterized the World Cup champion; tomorrow’s duel will be the ultimate test to become an almost impermeable block again.