Modric Leads Croatia Against Spain in Euro 2024 Opener

Almost two decades after making his major tournament bow for Croatia at the 2006 World Cup, playmaker Luka Modric is back in Germany to get his side's Euro 2024 campaign underway against Spain as he seeks to secure a first international trophy.

The clash marks the fourth time the two nations have met at the Euros, yet Modric is still relishing the chance to take on the country where he has carved out a magnificent career at Real Madrid.

“We all want to play against big teams like Spain and other big teams. We are looking forward to this match against Spain. We have played against them a couple of times; we know the details will decide the outcome of the game. We have to be our best each moment. We have to watch these details; we have to look after everything. We never get bored of playing these big matches. We are here to create big results. For the last couple of years, especially at the World Cup and in the Nations League, I think we have shown that we belong at the top of world and European football. In the European Championships we have missed this final step to make the greatest result. So, I hope we are confident, we are really looking forward to this tournament and I hope we can really create something big,” said Luca Modric.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was tight-lipped about who would start his side's Euro 2024 opener against Croatia, but defender Aymeric Laporte will play no part having been ruled out due to unspecified "issues".

Champions in 2008 and 2012, Spain reached the last 16 in 2016 and were beaten on penalties by Italy in the semi-finals of the last Euros. They expect a tough test as they get their tournament underway against the Croatians.