The Croatian national team heads into the World Cup with plenty of nerves after a mixed run of friendlies that exposed both their quality and some worrying gaps. Strong opponents like Brazil and Belgium handed them defeats that sting even more because the checkerboard side showed flashes of brilliance in patches but could not hold it together for the full ninety minutes. This clash with Slovenia serves as the final tune up before they jet off to North America where their World Cup campaign kicks off later than most teams giving them extra days to settle and adapt to the conditions.
Team Form
Over the last few months Croatia have looked inconsistent at best with heavy defeats highlighting defensive lapses while their attack still carries that familiar threat on the break. Slovenia on the other hand struggled badly in World Cup qualifying failing to secure even a single win in their group and missing out on Nations League playoffs which has left the squad hungry for any positive result against a bigger neighbor.
- Croatia lost 3-1 to Brazil and 2-0 to Belgium in recent warm up games
- Slovenia snapped a poor run by beating Montenegro 3-2 in a friendly
- Historically Croatia hold the edge winning seven of the twelve meetings between the sides
Tactical Analysis
Expect Croatia to dominate possession at home and use their experienced midfield to control the tempo while looking to exploit wide areas against a Slovenian side that often sits deep. The visitors will rely on compact defending and quick counters hoping to frustrate the hosts but their lack of recent wins suggests they may struggle to create clear chances. Both teams have areas to improve with Croatia needing better set piece organization and Slovenia requiring more clinical finishing up top.
Strengths for the home side include their wealth of big tournament experience and ability to raise their game in front of a passionate crowd while weaknesses lie in occasional lapses of concentration at the back. For Slovenia the main positives are their fighting spirit and recent goal scoring form but they lack the depth to compete over long periods against top opposition.
Betting Proposal
Given the historical dominance and the need for Croatia to build confidence ahead of the World Cup a strong home performance looks likely. The checkerboard outfit should have too much quality for their neighbors and can be expected to run out comfortable winners.
Favour Croatia with the handicap of minus one and a half goals at odds of 2.10 as they are tipped to win by two goals or more in front of their own supporters.
