Spain vs. Croatia: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Of all the six groups at Euro 2024, Group B is the most stacked with talent. Defending champion Italy is joined by Spain and Croatia, two teams that possess the quality to perform well in Germany.

Those two sides meet again in Berlin, having crossed paths at Euro 2020 and in the UEFA Nations League final last season. With both of those encounters finishing level, Croatia is well-placed to deny Spain an opening game victory.

Spain vs. Croatia betting picks and predictions

Tie or Croatia (-120)

Spain sit among the second tier of contenders at this tournament, seen as a decent shot for the latter stages but not quite at the level of France or England. However, the Spanish have labored through their group games on the biggest stage, winning only one of three such games at each of the last three major tournaments.

The Spanish have recorded eye-catching wins in that spell, tearing through Costa Rica 7-0 at the last World Cup. However, a lack of goals against quality opposition remains an issue for La Roja, with serious questions surrounding forward Alvaro Morata, who is the weak link in a squad with exciting midfield options.

Spain tend to move the ball around well, only to squander chances in games like this one. Croatia won’t give much away, especially as they enter the tournament on a six-game unbeaten stretch, winning five of those matches.

An eye-catching 2-1 win in Portugal acted as Croatia’s send-off game ahead of the Euros and that result suggests this will be the latest group-stage disappointment for the Spanish. Take Croatia to avoid defeat in this contest at -120. 

Andrej Kramaric to score anytime (+350)

Croatia tend to share Spain’s issue in front of goal, as their technically gifted midfielders have never played behind a truly gifted striker. While chief creator Luka Modric is ageing, expect Croatia to continue to carve openings for their forwards.

This time around, Croatia boasts an in-form forward who could thrive at the tournament. Andrej Kramaric scored 15 goals for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this season, while he had a late flourish to the campaign, netting six goals in his final four matches, while chipping in with another three assists.

Overall, Kramaric either scored or assisted in his final seven games of the season. He played for a Hoffenheim team that threw caution to the wind and that could help add some energy to Croatia’s attack. 

Kramaric’s final game of the season brought a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over Bayern Munich, so at +350 he’s a good anytime goalscorer option.  

1-1 Tie (+550)

Group B is likely to be one of the lowest-scoring across the tournament, with three sides who will avoid giving away space and an Italian team that is also missing cutting edge in the final third.

However, both Croatia and Spain will create chances and they can each get on the scoresheet in Berlin. Spain has one clean sheet from its previous six internationals and with the pair having a lot of similar attributes, the two will be hard to split.

Spain and Croatia appear the two strongest teams in Group B, so look to them taking a point apiece from their opening game. With goals also likely to be at a premium, look to this encounter to finish 1-1, which can be backed at +550.

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Spain vs. Croatia odds

Spain	-110
Draw	+240
Croatia	+333

Spain vs. Croatia player props

Alvaro Morata (Spain)	+187
Lamine Yamal (Spain)	+275
Andrej Kramaric (Croatia)	+350
Ante Budmir (Croatia)	+375
Lovro Majer (Croatia)	+500
Luka Ivanusec (Croatia)	+700

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.