Spain's national football team is preparing for a crucial match against Croatia, with coach Luis de la Fuente keeping his strategies close to his chest, particularly regarding young winger Lamine Yamal. Yamal has been a standout player, starting all three of Spain's recent matches, but de la Fuente has not confirmed whether he will rest him in the upcoming game in Split.

According to reports, Yamal has already logged over 90 minutes in a match at Wembley, 68 minutes in Sevilla against England, and 45 minutes in Oviedo against Czechia, totaling around 205 to 210 minutes. De la Fuente has implemented a plan to ensure that no player exceeds 270 minutes across the four matches in this international window, leaving Yamal with approximately 60 to 65 minutes available for the final match against Croatia.

The coach praised Yamal's performance, describing him as a born competitor who consistently seeks to contribute to the team's success. He has scored four goals in three matches, finding the net within the first six minutes each time. A draw against Croatia will secure Spain a spot in the quarter-finals, while a victory could see them finish first in their group, depending on the outcome of the England vs. Czechia match.

Spain is currently on an impressive unbeaten streak of 42 competitive matches, the longest in international football history. However, de la Fuente remains cautious, noting that fortunes can shift rapidly in football. Croatia, coming off a heavy 0-7 defeat to England, may be eager to prove their worth, and de la Fuente has warned that such losses can serve as motivation, referencing past footballing incidents where teams have rebounded strongly.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Spain's lineup and how de la Fuente manages his players' minutes to maintain their strong form.