Spain host Modric’s Croatia in Seville, rotation expected | OneFootball

Spain, with two stars on their shirt, make their home bow as world champions at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Tuesday against Modric’s Croatia. Rotation is expected, El Periódico Mediterráneo reports.

His nadir came with defeat in Glasgow to Scotland, McTominay scoring both in the only loss of his tenure. Recovery began at the Nations League, Spain edging Italy through Joselu then beating Croatia on penalties with Dani Carvajal’s panenka, the springboard to the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024 and last summer’s World Cup.

Spain arrive buoyant from a Wembley win over England, a night when Lamine Yamal underlined Ballon d’Or credentials. Tuchel’s side overturned Lamine’s opener, but substitutes Baena and Oyarzabal struck to seal it. Croatia won 1-2 in Prague against the Czech Republic, with Modric and Pasalic on target.

Slaven Bilic has replaced Zlatko Dalic but Croatia remain resilient, with Modric and Kovacic central. Many veterans of 2018’s runners-up, 2022’s bronze and the 2023 Nations League final persist, and Bilic is likely to stick close to Prague’s XI, Modric and Kovacic in the double pivot and Budimir leading with Pasalic and Sucic supporting.

Spain are set to refresh, with Baena and Oyarzabal expected to start after Wembley. A travel-heavy run of four matches in 10 days points to rotation and a 26-man group offers options, with player welfare prioritised as Eric returned to his club. Flexibility and impact from the bench are prized and there is a belief they have the best players in the world.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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