Croatia vs Spain: times, how to watch on TV, stream online | UEFA Nations League

The final of the UEFA Nations League brings together Spain and Croatia for a fascinating final between two teams at very different stages of their journeys together.

Luis de la Fuente took over the Spanish national team after a deeply disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup under former coach Luis Enrique. Spain just snuck through the group stage in Qatar despite a defeat to Japan, but were promptly eliminated by unfancied Morocco in the first knock-out round.

After the international retirement of Sergio Busquets after the World Cup only Jordi Alba remains from the all-conquering Spain side that won three consecutive international tournaments from 2008 to 2012. De la Fuente is now tasked with building a new-look Spain team, now unable to rely on the roster of elite talents that Spain could call upon a decade ago.

The best example of that effort is the faith placed in 33-year-old target man Joselu, who only made his debut for the national team earlier this year. He scored the crucial winner against Italy to book Spain’s place in the final, taking his international tally to three in three games.

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This is in stark contrast to a Croatia side who must surely be approaching the end of their time together. Has anyone overachieved in the international game to a greater extent than Croatia in recent years. Despite having a population of less than 4 million, Croatia have reached the semi-final in two consecutive World Cups.

The likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic have been outstanding performers for the country but must surely be approaching the end of their time at the top level. This could well be their last chance to lift a trophy for their nation, but can they get over the line?

What time does Croatia vs Spain start?

The UEFA Nations League final between Croatia and Spain will be played Sunday in Rotterdam, the Netherlands at the local time of 8:45pm (CEST)

Viewers in the United States can tune at at the following times:

Pacific Time: 11:45am

Eastern Time: 2:45pm

How can I watch Croatia vs Spain?

The following channels will be broadcasting the game live:

United States: Fubo Sports Network, ViX, VIX+

Follow Croatia vs Spain live with AS USA

We’ll be bringing you live text commentary of Croatia vs Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, as both sides look to win the continent-wide tournament for the very first time. Coverage will begin around 90 minutes before kick off with team news and matchday information from the De Kuip stadium, Rotterdam.

Who's the ref for Croatia vs Spain?

A real estate broker living in Berlin, this 41-year-old official has refereed extensively in the Bundesliga, European club competitions and international football. He began refereeing back in 2004 and was promoted to officiate in the 2. Bundesliga in 2007. He became a full-time Bundesliga referee in the 2009-10 season.

But Zwayer’s career took a hit in 2005 when he was involved in a match-fixing scandal. Alongside several other high-ranking referees, Zwayer reported that 2. Bundesliga referee Robert Hoyzer was taking bribes to fix matches. However, Zwayer himself had also accepted a bribe and he was banned from refereeing for six months as a result.

Despite the scandal Zwayer continued to work his way up the ranks and in 2018 he was selected by FIFA to be one of the video assistant referees for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In December 2021 Zwayer was heavily criticised for decisions made in a crucial match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich and Dortmund player Jude Bellingham made reference to Zwayer’s past, leading to further scrutiny of the referee’s career.

Zwayer took a break from refereeing after the incident, but returned in February 2022 for a 2. Bundesliga game between Hannover 96 and SV Darmstadt and now finds himself once again ranked as a UEFA elite category referee.

Form guide for Croatia vs Spain

Let's have a look at the most recent games for these two teams:

Croatia vs Spain prediction

The final in Rotterdam if a case of the old against the new, the seasoned talents of Croatia against a new-look Spain team. In terms of quality it could be argued that there is very little to choose between the two starting XIs.

However Spain have a greater depth in their squad and can call upon the likes of Ansu Fati, Marco Asensio and Dani Olmo from the bench. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if De la Fuente’s side manage to win the game late on.

Prediction: Croatia 1-2 Spain