BREAKING: Croatia team to face Spain
Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Majer, Kramaric, Budimir.
BREAKING: Spain team to face Croatia
Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Ruiz, Yamal, Morara, Williams.
Spain's 'responsibility' to excite fans
Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Berlin:
Youth takes on experience
So we have, according to our friends at SkyBet, the fifth favourites versus the ninth favourites today.
There will be a lot of star talent on display. Barcelona’s 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal will be one player of interest - he’s expected to start on the right for Spain this afternoon. His mate, Pedri, will play in midfield, alongside City star Rodri.
For Croatia, the old guard will be out in force with Luka Modric, 22 years Yamal’s senior, set to feature. As will the likes of Ivan Perisic, who left Tottenham this summer, and of course City defender Josko Gvardiol.
It may be one of those games where a moment of brilliance can win it. Jamal Musiala was the star last night in Germany’s win over Scotland - let’s see who can step up here.
Spain vs Croatia is next up!
Good afternoon and welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for arguably the most hotly-anticipated match for today and potentiallt the whole group stage.
Spain and Croatia meet in the first game of Group B at Euro 2024, reigniting a modern rivalry which has been full of drama, goals and heartache for both sides.
This tie will see experience versus youth as Luis De la Fuente's starlets lead the charge for a Spanish side who are far from the European and global dominance they displayed throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Croatia on the other hand head into Euro 2024 as dark horses once again despite making it to last year’s Nations League final and walking away with bronze medals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ahead of kick-off, we will have updates, team news and quotes from the bosses as well as plenty of snaps from Berlin to showcase the atmosphere. Once the game gets underway at 5pm, make sure to stick with us as we will be providing minute-by-minute action of the Group B fixture.