Spain can secure their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals on Tuesday when they visit Croatia in Split, while the hosts must win to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
The Group 3 meeting at Stadion Poljud begins at 20:45 on 6 October, with both sides approaching the final stretch of the league phase under considerable pressure. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain arrive three points clear of England at the top and are seeking to preserve a perfect record.
Croatia, led by Slaven Bilic, need victory to extend their challenge for the knockout rounds. Spain won the teams’ earlier group encounter convincingly, beating the Balkan side 4-1 in the second matchday.
A decisive night in Group 3
England and the Czech Republic complete the four-team group. The top two nations will progress to the quarter-finals, making the result in Split particularly significant for both Croatia and Spain.
For the sides finishing third and fourth, the consequences will be determined against the corresponding-ranked teams from the other groups. Their final positions will decide whether they remain in League A, enter a survival play-off or drop directly into League B.
Spain’s objective is clear: another win would maintain their unbeaten run and put the quarter-final place beyond doubt. Croatia, meanwhile, face a night in which anything less than three points would leave their European campaign increasingly dependent on results elsewhere.
