Every beginning of an international tournament is a momentous occasion, but in Group B, a victory on the opening matchday would be a crucial advantage for Spain and Croatia in Euro 2024.
That, of course, is because they are grouped with holders Italy and a fierce Albania. Nothing is won or lost in the first game but a win for either side sets them on their way and takes a huge amount of pressure off.
Spain arrived in Germany with a more mature squad than the one eliminated at Wembley in the Euro 2020 semi-final to Italy three summers ago. There have been additions, but the team has a healthier balance of experience and youth.
A Barcelona influence is back in this squad, particularly in midfield and attack. Pedri is fit, Fermin Lopez has been called up, Ferran Torres is back, and all eyes are on how young Lamine Yamal performs for his nation.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has selected the reliable figureheads of the squad with experience with the latter stages of tournaments. The recently successful Dani Carvajal and Nacho feature.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be pivotal and regular goal scorer Alvaro Morata who netted thrice at the last Euros will certainly be amongst the goals.
The days of Croatia going under the radar are over, and those who doubt whether the Vatreni will go through clearly have not seen their track record in tournaments in the last decade. A recent friendly win against Portugal displays that they are once again contenders.
An ageing squad is the concern. Fitness has been an evident pitfall of many teams and players such as Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Domagoj Vida will struggle to recover in the short period between games.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic will be searching to improve the country’s record against Spain, where they have won three, drawn two and lost five.
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Team News:
Spain
La Roja may be without Aymeric Laporte for their opening game as the Al-Nassr defender has missed training through a muscle injury. He has been a regular for De La Fuente who will have to look elsewhere.
It is thought that Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand is likely to replace him if Laporte does not recover.
Lamine Yamal is expected to start with Nico Williams on the flank. There are no further injury concerns for Spain.
Croatia
No injuries or departures from the squad for Croatia who has everyone in contention for the opening fixture.
The starting striker could be one of Bruno Petkovic, Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric with Dalic having to make a difficult decision.
Josko Gvardiol may play as centre-back in contrast to left-back at Manchester City as Borna Sosa is a reliable player on the left.
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Likely Line-ups:
Spain
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Rodri, Olmo, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia
Livakovic; Stanisic, Vida, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Modric, Brozovic; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
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Key Players
Spain - Lamine Yamal
The 16-year-old talent from Barcelona is set to make history and become the youngest player to play in a European Championship. The winger has outrageous ability on the ball and has shown he can score.
There will be tremendous pressure on the youngster with the eyes of the world expectant of a performance, but if he plays with the freedom which has led to a successful season in Catalunya, he can replicate it in the opening game.
Of course, Yamal will also become the youngest goal scorer in Euro tournament history if he is to score against Croatia.
Croatia – Luka Modric
On the other end of the age spectrum is Croatia's captain Luka Modric who surely heads into his last dance in international tournaments. Lamine Yamal was yet to turn one when Modric debuted in the Euros in 2008.
Since then, Hrvatska has been on an astonishing tournament run and has come close to success on multiple occasions. Modric tends to step up when his team is struggling and will be looking to guide his nation again to an opening win against Spain.
The midfield battle will be filled with quality and experience and the game might be decided through the superior side in the centre of the pitch, which Modric can single-handedly do.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
What time is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 17:00 (BST), on Saturday 15th June.
How can I watch?
The game is available to watch on ITV in the UK.
