Spain vs Croatia : 5 things we learned, UEFA Nations League 2018-19

#3 Croatian retirements and absentees post World Cup

Daniel Subasic retired from International Football post World Cup 2018

There were significant absentees for Croatia last evening in Elche, due to some of their important players retiring post a successful World Cup campaign. Daniel Subasic who played for Croatia for 10 long years, was missed as his counterpart Kalinic succumbed to heavy attacks by the Spaniards.

Mario Mandzukic's absence was felt too as Croatia's attack was non-existent throughout the game, and Dejan Lovren who was not part of the squad was heavily missed as well, especially due to the fact that his fellow central defender Vida failed to create a strong defensive partnership with new first team introduction, Pivaric.