Spain predicted lineup vs Croatia - Nations League final
By Sean Walsh
Spain will end their 11-year trophy drought with victory against Croatia in the Nations League final on Sunday.
La Roja and the Vatreni haven't met since their 5-3 thriller in the knockout stages of Euro 2020 and their next meeting could have a similar back-and-forth vibe to it.
Croatia beat the Netherlands 4-2 after extra-time on Wednesday to secure their passage to the final, while Spain knocked Italy out with a late 2-1 win the following day.
Manager Luis de la Fuente is already under pressure to deliver results despite only taking over following last winter's World Cup.
Here's who he could name in his starting lineup to try and deliver the trophy.
Spain predicted lineup vs Croatia
GK: Unai Simon - Made a famous howler in Spain's extra-time victory against Croatia at Euro 2020. He remains La Roja's number one for the time being, but a high-profile move for David Raya this summer could see his position come under threat.
RB: Dani Carvajal - Jesus Navas was one of Spain's better performers on Thursday evening, but given he's 37, it's unlikely he could start from the off again, particularly as he played the full 90 minutes.
CB: Robin Le Normand - Gave away a penalty for handball 10 minutes into his Spain debut this week. Likely to retain his spot due to a shortage of centre-backs.
CB: Aymeric Laporte - Both of Spain's centre-backs hold the distinction of having been born and raised in France, switching allegiances to La Roja later in their careers.
LB: Jordi Alba - New Real Madrid signing Fran Garcia will be pushing for a start, but Alba has proven his worth time after time and is expected to keep his place.
CM: Rodri - Played a staggering 4,476 minutes at club level for Manchester City this season and followed that up with the full 90 in the Italy win. Hey, if he can keep on playing then Spain should start him.
CM: Fabian Ruiz - Mikel Merino started alongside Rodri on Thursday, but De la Fuente could bring the PSG man into the fold to combat Croatia's ageing but elegant midfield.
CM: Gavi - Pushed high up the pitch against Italy with his combative aggression. Expected to be let off the leash yet again.
RW: Marco Asensio - Expected to join Fabian at PSG from Real Madrid on a free transfer in the coming weeks. Has somehow only scored two goals in 36 games for Spain.
CF: Alvaro Morata - The inverse to Asensio in that he's usually criticised for his club performances but is a consistent figure for Spain, scoring 30 goals in 63 games for his country.
LW: Yeremy Pino - Ansu Fati may get the nod but Pino deserves another start having opened the scoring early on in the semi-finals.