Euro 2024 champions Spain meet 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in what should be one of the most technically accomplished group stage matches. Spain's tiki-taka revolution has new faces — Lamine Yamal (17), Pedri and Rodri dominate midfield — while Álvaro Morata leads the line. Croatia's golden generation, marshalled by the legendary Luka Modrić, are entering their final World Cup together.

This is a genuine tactical battle between two quality possession-based teams. Spain should have the edge in individual quality — Yamal is arguably the world's best young player — but Modrić's experience and Kovačić's quality make Croatia dangerous. Under 2.5 goals at 1.65 makes sense as both teams are defensively disciplined in big tournament matches.