[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
Spain battles Croatia in the 1st matchday of Euro 2024 from Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Spain vs. Croatia odds, and make our best Euro 2024 bets, picks and predictions.
Spain has played 4 friendlies this season and 2 in the last month leading up to Euro 2024. Earlier in the year, it lost to Colombia 1-0 and drew Brazil 3-3. More recently, it beat Andorra 5-0 June 5 and Northern Island 5-1. Spain has a number of talented and experienced players with M Rodri and D Dani Carvajal. It sits 8th in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings.
Croatia sits 10th in the world rankings. It is led by familiar face M Luka Modric, who plays for Real Madrid. Two Manchester City players, M Mateo Kovacic and D Josko Gvardiol, cracked the 26-man roster as well. Croatia has also played 4 games this year and 2 more recently. It beat Tunisia in penalty kicks March 23 then Egypt 4-2 three days later. More recently, it beat North Macedonia 3-0 and Portugal 2-1.
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
Spain vs. Croatia odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:22 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Spain -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Croatia +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Draw +240
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +114 | U: -138)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Spain vs. Croatia picks and predictions
Prediction
Croatia 1, Spain 1
Moneyline (ML)
SPRINKLE DRAW (+240).
The last time these 2 teams took the pitch, the result was a 0-0 draw with a total of 7 shots on frame. That was in the Nations League final June 18, 2023.
While Spain is the favorite and Croatia is the less-talented aging side, Modric and company drew 2 of 3 Group F games in the 2022 World Cup before finishing in 3rd place.
Croatia has won 6 straight games as well, so it is playing at a high level. Couple it all together, and take DRAW (+240).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (-138).
Neither team plays at an ultra-high pace, and both are technically-sound, both offensively and defensively. Croatia had 4 of its last 5 UEFA qualifiers go Under.
Spain has beaten up on lesser-quality sides in its friendlies but went 2-3 O/U this total in the 5 games against top-15 FIFA nations. In its last 4 games against top-50 opponents (Scotland, Norway, Colombia and Brazil), Spain is 1-3 O/U this total.
With the style in mind and the recent trends, back UNDER 2.5 (-138).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=53935]