Croatia national team prepares for return following Spain defeat

Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in a Nations League group stage match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. Following the match, Croatia's head coach Slaven Bilić opted to keep the squad in Spain for an additional training session on Wednesday before a scheduled charter flight to Croatia to avoid night travel.

During the match, Luka Modrić entered the game in the 81st minute, replacing Petar Sučić. His substitution prompted a standing ovation from the approximately 44,000 spectators in attendance, including Spanish fans and coach Luis de la Fuente. Spanish media outlets highlighted the moment, with Diario As describing Modrić as a role model for future generations.

Croatia is preparing for upcoming fixtures against England in Rijeka on October 3 and Spain in Split three days later. Due to sanctions, ticket sales for the match in Rijeka are restricted, though children under 14 are permitted to attend.