Wales vs Croatia predictions ahead of this Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday. After the defeat in midweek against Turkey, Croatia will travel to Wales with the intention of getting back on track. Can the Welsh stop them in Cardiff? Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 15th October at 7:45 pm In:
Wales vs Croatia Predictions
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The Battle for Euro 2024 Qualification Supremacy
Key Stats
– Bruno Petković has netted six times in his recent seven outings.
– Wales possesses a commendable home record, making the Cardiff City Stadium a fortress.
Wales prepares for a monumental face-off against Croatia this Sunday. While the Welsh are determined to keep their Euro 2024 aspirations intact, they find themselves up against a resilient Croatian side, keen to bounce back from recent setbacks.
The Backdrop:
Rob Page’s Welsh team recently enjoyed a comfortable victory over Gibraltar, clinching a four-goal lead by half-time. While they couldn’t add to their tally post the break, the performance instilled confidence and boosted morale.
However, Croatia, despite their third-place World Cup ranking, find themselves in a slightly tricky spot. Their shocking 1-0 loss to Turkey, a game where the Turks showcased a superior on-target performance, has added an element of vulnerability to the Croatian team. Yet, history beckons as Wales previously secured an impressive 1-1 draw against the Croats, reinforcing their belief that they can stand their ground against the Balkan side.
Stakes and Statistics:
Home Advantage for Wales: Wales relishes a spectacular track record at the Cardiff City Stadium, and the home advantage could significantly tilt the scale in their favour. Their fort-like stance in Cardiff paired with the passionate Welsh supporters will be a force to reckon with.
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Historical Matchups: The Welsh have historically found it challenging to overcome the Croats, having never beaten them in seven attempts. Their most recent encounters both concluded in a 1-1 draw. Before these matchups, Croatia enjoyed a winning streak, claiming victory in four consecutive matches.
Key Players:
Wales: Kieffer Moore, who recently bagged two goals against Gibraltar, is being keenly watched. His current form makes him a favourite to score, with Paddy Power placing odds of 7/2 for Moore finding the net.
Croatia: Bruno Petković has been in scintillating form. The Dinamo Zagreb striker boasts six goals in his last seven appearances. He’s also the favourite to score, with odds of 2/1 by Boylesports.
Expert Analysis:
This matchup is crucial for Wales. While they’re pitted against one of Europe’s elite teams, the robust home atmosphere might amplify their performance. However, Croatia’s past record showcases their proficiency in away games, securing wins in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Austria.
Given these dynamics, this game in Cardiff is anticipated to be a close-knit affair.
Predictions:
1. Match Outcome – Draw
Reasoning: Croatia, although boasting a stronger historical record, have shown signs of inconsistency in 2023, securing victories in only three out of their seven matches. Their surprise 1-0 home defeat to Turkey, a side considered inferior on paper, casts doubts over their predictability in results. Wales, on the other hand, have remained unbeaten in their last three encounters, showcasing resilience in defence with three consecutive clean sheets.
Considering Wales’ strong home record at the Cardiff City Stadium and their determination to keep their Euro 2024 dreams alive, they might pose a formidable challenge to Croatia. This is especially true when taking into account their recent commendable 1-1 draw in Split against the same opponent. A draw seems like a logical outcome when considering the form and stakes involved in this fixture.
2. Correct Score – 1-1
Reasoning: Historically, the last two encounters between these two nations ended in a 1-1 draw. Wales have a propensity to defend with vigour, as reflected in their recent results where they’ve not conceded in three consecutive games. Croatia, possessing quality in their ranks, can find a way to breach this Welsh defence. However, with Croatia’s recent vulnerability showcased in their shock defeat to Turkey and Wales’ undying spirit in front of their home crowd, the Welsh too can get onto the score sheet. Thus, a 1-1 result mirrors the recent head-to-head results and aligns with the current form of both teams.
3. Goalscorer Prediction – Bruno Petković
Reasoning: Bruno Petković, the Dinamo Zagreb striker, has been in remarkable form, having netted six goals in his last seven games. His recent double against Latvia further cements his status as a constant goal threat. Given his current form and past record, especially his 10 goals for Croatia in 33 appearances, he seems to be the prime candidate to find the back of the net in this fixture. When looking for a goalscorer, form and consistency are pivotal, and Petković stands out in both these attributes.
4. First Half / Second Half Result – Croatia/Draw
Reasoning: Croatia, with their intricate ball movement and technically proficient players, often starts games strongly. Their ability to retain possession and put pressure on opponents can be crucial in the initial stages of a match, making them likely candidates to clinch the first half.
Given the context of the fixture and the significance it holds for both teams, Wales might begin with a more conservative approach, focusing on solidifying their defence and keeping things tight. This could give Croatia an advantage in the first half.
However, as the match progresses and the intensity grows, Wales, spurred by the roaring support from their home fans at the Cardiff City Stadium, might push for an equaliser or aim to contain Croatia to secure a valuable point. With the stakes high, the game could become tenser and chances might be harder to come by, making a draw in the second half a reasonable outcome.
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