Croatia vs North Macedonia predictions for this international friendly fixture. Croatia begin their Euro 2024 build-up by welcoming North Macedonia to Rijeka for an international friendly on Monday evening. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Friendlies | Jun 3, 2024 at 6pm UK at Stadion HNK Rijeka
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Croatia vs North Macedonia Predictions
Croatia’s Friendly Clash with North Macedonia: A Tactical Warm-Up for Euro 2024
Key Stats
– North Macedonia have lost five of their last seven away games without scoring.
– Croatia have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.
– Croatia average 1.6 goals per game in their recent qualifiers, highlighting their attacking efficiency.
As Croatia prepare for Euro 2024, they host North Macedonia in an international friendly at Rijeka. This encounter serves as a crucial preparatory match for the Vatreni, aiming to fine-tune their strategies and assess their squad depth ahead of the continental tournament.
Match Preview
Croatia’s footballing golden generation is nearing its twilight, and this summer’s European Championship presents a golden opportunity for them to finally claim silverware. Following their remarkable performances in recent World Cups, finishing as runners-up and third place respectively, Croatia’s aspirations are high. Their journey to the Euros was not without hiccups, as they experienced unexpected defeats to Turkey and Wales, which put their qualification in jeopardy. However, subsequent victories against Latvia and Armenia ensured their place in the finals.
Croatia’s Euro campaign begins with a daunting clash against Spain, so their upcoming friendlies, starting with North Macedonia, are vital for building momentum. Despite a strong showing in recent tournaments, Croatia have struggled in the Euros, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals. This friendly is not just a warm-up but a crucial test of their readiness.
North Macedonia, on the other hand, failed to secure a spot in Euro 2024 after a challenging qualification group featuring England and Italy. They now focus on rebuilding and preparing for future competitions. Head coach Blagoja Milevski faces the task of revitalising his squad, which has not won in their last four matches and has struggled defensively, conceding frequently.
Team News
For Croatia, manager Zlatko Dalic is likely to use this friendly to experiment with his squad. While Nikola Vlasic remains sidelined with an adductor injury, Ivan Perisic is nearing full fitness and could make a return. Key players like Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Andrej Kramaric will be crucial, alongside emerging talents such as Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo.
North Macedonia will miss their influential captain Enis Bardhi due to a shoulder injury. The creative responsibilities will fall heavily on Eljif Elmas and Bojan Miovski, as they look to make an impact without their talismanic leader.
Expected Lineups
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric, Pjaca
North Macedonia: Dimitrievski; Manev, Musliu, Serafimov; Dimoski, Atanasov, Alimi, Alioski; Elmas; Ristovski, Miovski
Analysis and Predictions
In this friendly match, Croatia are expected to control the game given their superior squad depth and experience. The midfield battle will be critical, with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic likely to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game. North Macedonia, without Bardhi, will rely on Elmas to provide creativity and Miovski to capitalise on any chances.
Key Player Duels
- Luka Modric vs. Eljif Elmas: Modric’s experience and vision will be crucial in breaking down North Macedonia’s defence, while Elmas will need to step up in Bardhi’s absence to drive his team forward.
- Andrej Kramaric vs. Visar Musliu: Kramaric’s goal-scoring prowess will be a constant threat, and Musliu must be at his best to contain the Croatian forward.
Gameplay Strategy
Croatia will likely adopt a possession-based approach, looking to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities through their midfield maestros. North Macedonia, expected to play defensively, will aim to hit Croatia on the counter-attack. Set-pieces could also be a significant area for both teams, given their defensive vulnerabilities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Croatia’s Strengths:
- Midfield Mastery: The presence of Modric, Kovacic, and Brozovic provides a blend of creativity, control, and defensive solidity.
- Defensive Organisation: Croatia’s defence, led by Gvardiol, has shown resilience, with several clean sheets in recent games.
Croatia’s Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: Key injuries could affect team dynamics and depth.
- Over-Reliance on Veterans: An aging squad might struggle against more youthful and energetic opponents.
North Macedonia’s Strengths:
- Underdog Spirit: The team’s ability to perform against higher-ranked teams, evidenced by draws against England and Italy, should not be underestimated.
- Set-Piece Threat: With players like Alioski, North Macedonia can be dangerous from set-pieces.
North Macedonia’s Weaknesses:
- Defensive Fragility: Frequent goals conceded in recent matches highlight defensive issues.
- Lack of Depth: Missing key players like Bardhi exposes the team’s lack of quality replacements.
Managerial Analysis
Zlatko Dalic (Croatia): Dalic has successfully led Croatia through multiple high-stakes tournaments but faces criticism for relying heavily on veterans. His ability to integrate emerging talents will be pivotal for Croatia’s success.
Blagoja Milevski (North Macedonia): Milevski’s task is challenging, with a need to rebuild and develop a competitive squad. His tactical flexibility will be tested, especially in the absence of key players.
Expected Goals Averages
Croatia have averaged 1.6 goals per game in their recent qualifiers, demonstrating their attacking capability. In contrast, North Macedonia have conceded 2.5 goals per game, highlighting their defensive struggles. This disparity suggests Croatia will have ample opportunities to score.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Given the provided data, several betting angles emerge for this match.
Best Bet: Croatia to Win and Under 2.5 Goals
Considering Croatia’s solid defence and North Macedonia’s lack of scoring prowess, a Croatian win with under 2.5 goals appears likely. The hosts are expected to control the game without overexerting themselves, especially with tougher fixtures ahead.
Correct Score Prediction: Croatia 2-0 North Macedonia
A 2-0 scoreline reflects Croatia’s superiority while acknowledging their likely conservative approach. This prediction aligns with Croatia’s tendency to secure clean sheets and North Macedonia’s scoring difficulties.
Goalscorer Prediction: Andrej Kramaric to Score Anytime
Kramaric, as Croatia’s primary striker, is well-positioned to find the net. His form and goal-scoring record make him a strong candidate to score at least once during the match.
First Half Result: Croatia to Lead at Half-Time
Given Croatia’s dominance in possession and North Macedonia’s defensive frailties, it is likely that Croatia will be ahead by half-time. This prediction considers Croatia’s intent to start strong and secure an early lead.
Innovative Market: Total Shots on Target Over 7.5
Given Croatia’s attacking style and North Macedonia’s defensive lapses, betting on total shots on target over 7.5 is a compelling angle. Croatia’s offensive players will likely test the North Macedonian goalkeeper frequently.
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