Mateo Kovacic Backs Croatia to Beat Unbeaten Spain in Seville
Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic has insisted his side will travel to Seville believing they can beat world champions Spain on Tuesday, despite Luis de la Fuente’s team arriving on a 39-match unbeaten run and with an opening-round victory over England already secured.
Croatia target control against Spain’s possession game
Spain began the campaign with a 3-2 win against England, while Croatia opened with a 2-1 success over Czechia. The meeting in Seville now places two early winners against one another, with Kovacic acknowledging that Croatia face one of international football’s toughest assignments.
The 32-year-old said Croatia must avoid becoming distracted by Spain’s record or status as world champions. Instead, he wants the visitors to make the contest about their own performance, intensity and ability to deny Spain control of the ball.
“We know they are world champions and have not lost in 39 matches,” Kovacic said. “But we do not want to focus on that. We want to concentrate on our own game, fight, take away their main strength — the ball — and win.”
Respect for Rodri, Pedri and Yamal without intimidation
Kovacic spoke warmly about the quality in Spain’s current squad, drawing a comparison with the side that dominated international football between 2008 and 2012. He watched that earlier generation as a supporter, but feels De la Fuente’s group is similarly compelling.
His former Manchester City colleague Rodri was among the players singled out, alongside Barcelona pair Pedri and Lamine Yamal.
“I enjoyed watching the earlier Spain team, which had so many outstanding players,” Kovacic said. “It is hard to compare generations, but both are very good. With Rodri, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, this Spain side is a team I really enjoy watching.”
That admiration will not alter Croatia’s approach. Kovacic said Spain’s individual quality is clear, but stressed that Croatia will treat the game with discipline rather than attempting to force an open contest.
- Spain started the campaign by beating England 3-2.
- Croatia followed with a 2-1 win over Czechia.
- The sides meet in Seville on Tuesday, with Croatia aiming to end Spain’s 39-game unbeaten sequence.
Recent history gives Spain the edge
Spain hold a 7-3 advantage in the overall head-to-head record and have won each of the last three competitive meetings between the countries. Croatia’s most recent victory over La Roja came in a Nations League match in 2018.
One of the defining recent encounters was the 2022-23 Nations League final, when Spain defeated Croatia on penalties to claim the trophy. Both teams also carry shootout disappointment from the previous campaign: Croatia went out to France in the quarter-finals, while Spain lost the final to Portugal from the spot.
Kovacic said Croatia recognise Spain’s collective strength as well as the threat posed by their leading names. “Spain have fantastic players, but we fear nobody,” he said. “We respect every opponent, especially the world champions. They are extremely strong as a team, beyond the individuals.”
He added that Croatia would not abandon their structure in pursuit of a result. “We cannot lose our heads,” Kovacic said. “We have to stay focused on our football and compete.”
Key takeaways
- Spain are unbeaten in 39 matches and enter Tuesday’s game after a 3-2 win over England.
- Croatia defeated Czechia 2-1 in their first match and want to challenge Spain for possession.
- Spain have won the last three competitive fixtures against Croatia and lead the overall series 7-3.
- Kovacic believes Croatia can respect Spain’s quality without being intimidated by it.
- “Beating Spain is not an impossible task,” Kovacic said.
