Croatia have come close to World Cup glory on two occasions in the last five years and they will be looking to earn some tangible reward for their efforts when taking on Spain in the Nations League final.
Zlatko Dalic's side dug deep to secure a deserved 4-2 extra-time success over Netherlands in Wednesday's semi-final and will be aiming to finish the job against Spain and land the first trophy in their nation's footballing history.
Spain will have other ideas after coming through Thursday's semi-final against Italy with 2-1 victory.
The Iberians have not landed a trophy since their triumph at Euro 2012, but they were Nations League finalists in 2021, losing out 2-1 to France.
- Croatia to lift the trophy
- Spain to score under 1.5 goals
- Andrej Kramaric to score at any time
Croatia Can Secure Long-Awaited Silverware
Croatia are used to upsetting the odds and can overcome well-fancied Spain in the 2023 Nations League final in Rotterdam.
Zlatko Dalic's side were largely written off before the 2022 World Cup, where they finished in third place, and they were installed as fourth favourites before the start of this summer's Nations League finals.
But they are capable of performing way beyond outside expectations and there was nothing fortunate about their semi-final success over the Netherlands.
There is vast experience in the Croatia dressing room and a lot more talent than they are often given credit for.
They have shown time and time again the capacity to perform in high-stakes matches and the ability to recover from major setbacks.
Dalic's side came from behind to take control of their semi-final against the Netherlands. They were also able to respond after Noa Lang's injury-time goal had taken the game to extra-time.
Other teams may have folded but Croatia showed the spirit and desire which were hallmarks of their run to the final four at Qatar 2024 and they ran out worthy winners to leave the Dutch devastated.
Questions will be asked over how much is left in the tank, but Croatia's preparation time for the final is one day longer than Spain, who defeated Italy 2-1 on Thursday.
Spain were deserving against the Azzurri after winning the shot count 19 to eight, but they face a more even game in the final and Croatia's vast experience and mental strength may give them the edge.
CROATIA TO WIN THE NATIONS LEAGUE
Offensive Deficiencies Could Cost Spain
Spain could have scored more goals in their 2-1 success over Italy but they lacked a killer instinct in front of goal and it could cost them in the final.
La Roja had a poor World Cup, failing to win any of their final three games, and they have had a mixed start to Euro 2024 qualifying, winning 3-0 at home to Norway and losing 2-0 away to Scotland.
They have registered fewer than two goals in four of their last six matches and their low-scoring trend may continue this weekend.
SPAIN TO SCORE UNDER 1.5 GOALS
Kramaric Ready To Deliver
The final could be a tighter match than both of the semi-finals with fewer chances created and it might take a centre-forward, Croatia's Andrej Kramaric, to break the deadlock.
Kramaric delivered from the penalty spot in Croatia's success over the Dutch but he is capable of scoring many different types of goals.
Leicester fans will remember a player who struggled to adapt after moving from Rijeka to the Premier League in January 2015.
But Kramaric has had a hugely successful career with Hoffenheim, scoring 100 Bundesliga goals, and he looks ready to make his mark in a major final.
