Bilic says Croatia can compete with Spain despite weaknesses

Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic has spoken about his team’s UEFA Nations League group-stage second-round match against Spain.

“If every player and the team as a whole perform at the highest level, it is possible to compete with Spain. They also have weaknesses,” Bilic told UEFA’s website.

He said Croatia would have to give its maximum to play on equal terms with Spain. “We do not need a miracle. Confidence in our own strength and a high-quality performance will be enough,” Bilic said.

The match will be held in Seville on September 29 and will kick off at 23:45 Baku time.

In the opening round of the Nations League, Spain defeated England 3-2, while Croatia beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

The UEFA Nations League is an international competition designed to provide national teams with more competitive matches during the season. Its group-stage results also affect promotion and relegation between the competition’s divisions.