Croatia vs Wales LIVE: Dragons begin life after Gareth Bale in opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Luka Modric and co – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Wales will begin life without Gareth Bale this weekend when they face Croatia in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.

The Dragons have lost icon Bale along with Joe Allen, Chris Gunter and Jonny Williams to retirement since the World Cup. 

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Robert Page will now be looking to see how some new faces perform in his team as their search for a place in the European Championship begins. 

And it will be Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia who they face first with Luka Modric still in the squad after he decided not to hang up his boots following the tournament in Qatar. 

Croatia vs Wales: How to follow 

This Euro 2024 Group D qualifier will take place on Saturday, March 25. 

The game will be played at the Stadion Poljud in Split and will kick off at 7:45pm UK time. 

It will be broadcast live on Viaplay Sports with coverage beginning at 7:35pm. 

Fans can subscribe to Viaplay for £14.99 per month and can watch the game on their TV or website. 

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Croatia vs Wales: What has been said? 

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is looking forward to seeing how the new-look Dragons perform on their journey to Euro 2024. 

Ramsey said: "It's very exciting to be part of this team. 

"There's so much opportunity for us. Although we are a young squad, there are a lot of young players on a high number of caps already.

"The majority of the team has remained intact. We are missing players but there's so much excitement with some of the players that are playing at the highest level at the moment and can definitely make their own history with this team.”

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He also commented on the players who have departed the Welsh team after retiring. 

"They have been amazing for Wales over the years and have contributed so much to the success that we have had," the midfielder said. 

"We will be forever grateful for what they brought to this team, this nation. But things are always changing and there are opportunities now for other players."

Croatia vs Wales: Team news 

Croatia squad

• Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Nediljko Labrovic
• Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo
• Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Ivanusec, Luka Sucic
• Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Marko Livaja, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Petar Musa

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Wales squad

• Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Northampton Town)
• Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Oliver Cooper (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia- On loan from Chelsea), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Morgan Fox (Stoke)
• Midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Blackburn Rovers), Jordan James (Birmingham City), Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Wesley Burns (Ipswich Town), Aaron Ramsey (OGC Nice), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Daniel James (Fulham)
• Forwards: Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth), Luke Harris (Fulham), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Tom Bradshaw (Millwall), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Cardiff City)