A tough task for Bilic

Croatia's nine-year Dalic era has come to an end after the team were knocked out of the last World Cup in the round of 32 by Portugal. Following Dalic - who took charge of Croatia in 2017 and led them to the World Cup final in 2018 and third place in 2022 - the reins will once again pass to Slaven Bilic, just as they did between 2006 and 2012. With the Nations League as his first assignment, Bilic will be considered successful if he manages to keep his side in League A in a group featuring the reigning world champions, Spain, and the World Cup bronze medallists, England. Should he manage to knock either Spain or England out and reach the quarter-finals, that would be a highly successful start.

The World Champions meet their fans

The reigning World Champions, Spain, are taking to the pitch in front of their home crowd for the first time in Seville. Having to play against the Spaniards in Seville straight after their away fixture against England will be a major stroke of bad luck for the Croatians. With his contract extended until the end of the 2030 World Cup, De la Fuente will continue to do what he does best: working with players he has known since their youth days. Although the 'Bulls' are a very difficult side to beat, they must still guard against complacency. It is essential to analyse how Spain - the team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships under Xavi and Iniesta, and is regarded as one of the greatest in history - experienced a decline from 2014 onwards, and how they have since found their way back to the top by 2022. The current Spanish squad still has many years ahead of it, and their aim to extend this run for a few more tournaments is entirely realistic; however, their rivals are growing stronger by the day. Whilst De la Fuente has been highly successful, the fact that far more experienced figures - who have achieved great successes - are working with national teams demonstrates just how keen the federations and coaches are to win the upcoming tournaments. De la Fuente and his players can only continue this run if they are just as hungry as their rivals. It is clear that they must take both the Nations League and the match against Croatia very seriously.

Spain vs Croatia tickets

With international breaks now longer and more concentrated, we'll have more opportunities to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of international football during these periods. To immerse us in this atmosphere, the Nations League will feature fantastic teams playing brilliant matches over a 15-day period. As football fans, perhaps all we need to do is go with the flow - tickets for the Spain v Croatia match in Seville, promising a brilliant evening of football, are now available via Seatpin.