Suker Backs Modric to Inspire Croatia Against Spain in Nations League

Davor Suker has urged Spain not to take Croatia lightly when the sides meet in Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, insisting Luka Modric can still lead the visitors to a significant result in Seville.

Spain warned over Croatia’s response

The former Sevilla and Real Madrid forward accepts that Spain will begin as favourites, but believes Croatia are particularly dangerous when they are written off. Suker delivered the message during a Meet, Greet & Table Football event in Seville ahead of the match.

  • Spain have home advantage at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
  • Luis de la Fuente’s European champions are unbeaten in 39 matches.
  • La Roja extended that sequence with a 3-2 win against England at Wembley.
  • Spain have won each of the teams’ previous three meetings.
  • Croatia are seeking to remove Spain from top spot in Group A3.

Suker said Spain possess “an amazing team”, a strong manager and clear ambition, but added that Croatia tend to raise their level when opponents underestimate them. His hope, naturally, is that the home side relax enough for the Vatreni to exploit an opening.

Modric’s landmark provides Croatia belief

Much of Croatia’s confidence rests with Modric, who produced another landmark performance in Prague. The midfielder became Croatia’s oldest scorer at the age of 41 during the 2-1 victory over Czechia.

Suker believes the veteran remains capable of influencing the biggest international fixtures and pointed to the technical quality available in the Croatian squad. The country’s record goalscorer also called for an open contest, saying he would rather see goals than a goalless draw.

Group A3 stakes in Seville

Tuesday’s contest carries consequences beyond the immediate meeting. Croatia can challenge Spain’s position at the head of Group A3, while both teams still have two Nations League matches remaining after the Seville fixture.

Spain’s recent record against Croatia and their long unbeaten run make them the clear side to beat. Yet Suker’s intervention underlines Croatia’s belief that their experience, resilience and Modric’s continued influence can turn a difficult away trip into an upset.

Marcus Chen covers world soccer for berkeleyhistoricalsociety.org — club news, transfers, and the people who drive the game from week to week. His reporting ranges across the Premier League and Champions League, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, plus the U.S. game and World Cup cycles. He came up on football desks at newspapers and specialist sites, where the job was simple: get the facts straight, then explain what they mean for the club and the supporters. The pieces here are written the same way — match reaction, transfer notes, interviews and features that stay close to the pitch.