Heavyweights Spain, Croatia clash to open Group B on TSN

Two footballing juggernauts open play in Euro 2024's "Group of Death" as Rodri and Spain take on the legendary Luka Modric and Croatia in Berlin.

With defending champions Italy, and Albania, still waiting in the wings, both sides know that this first match is an important one.

You can catch Spain vs. Croatia LIVE on Saturday with coverage getting underway at 11:30am et/8:30am pt on TSN1/4, CTV, streaming on the TSN App and on TSN.ca.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic knows exactly what his team is up against in Group B.

"We are in the toughest group, and everyone knows that," Dalic said on Friday. "A good start is crucial. Remember the World Cup in Qatar when we played Morocco first? That point was very important later on. We're not aiming for a draw: we want to show our best and win. We're not afraid of anyone. We're going for the win. It will be difficult and very demanding, but as always, I believe in our team."

As he has so many times before, Dalic will lean on his stout midfield of Real Madrid icon Modric, Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, now of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. If Croatia can win the battle in the middle of the park, they believe they can beat the three-time Euro champions.

"Our unity is our greatest strength," Modric said. "Many players from the Qatar World Cup are still with us, and young players have joined. They have shown they can be relied on and that they can make a difference. We did the same when we were younger. This is a plus for all of us. I am glad that [Hadjuk Split winger Ivan] Perisic is back; he is gradually getting into form."

You can watch every game of UEFA Euro 2024 LIVE on TSN

On the other side of the pitch, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is ready for