Croatia vs Wales
They were arguably the two stars of the last two major tournaments.
Wales, in their first competition since 1958, reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 against the odds.
For Croatia, they went one stage further in the World Cup last summer.
Indeed, but for a dubious penalty decision, they may have even made that final ultimate step.
After being deprived at the highest level by a poor decision in that showpiece against France, Croatia now go in search of glory on the European stage as they resume their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
SBOBET fans will have noticed their Euro 2020 news so far has provided a mixed bag with one win and one defeat.
This makes this meeting at home to the Welsh, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, as one of potentially key importance.
Talking Points
If Wales could pull off a shock, it would do their hopes of reaching back-to-back European Championships the power of good.
They have warmed up for this and their forthcoming qualifier against Hungary with warm weather training in the Algarve.
Judging by photos, it’s been a welcome respite too for the under pressure Gareth Bale.
There may be a plethora of young potential around him these days, but make no mistake, he is the kingpin for boss Ryan Giggs and regular club action for their talisman is essential.
After winning their only qualifier to date against Slovakia in Cardiff, another win would be a massive lift for Wales as Bale comes up against his club team-mate Luka Modric, recently named his country’s top footballer for the seventh year in a row.
There is an argument that this could be a good time to play Croatia, who have been less-than-convincing at the start of their Euro 2020 campaign.
They came from behind to narrowly beat Azerbaijan at home before being defeated by Hungary in Budapest.
In addition, they are weakened ahead of this clash without Barcelona’s influential Ivan Rakitić, winger Ante Rebic and winger Marko Pjaca.
On the flip side, they are yet to lose in 11 internationals they have played in Osijek (won nine, drawn two) where Wales have already suffered defeats (in a friendly in 2010 and a World Cup qualifier in 2012).
This group includes one of the Euro 2020 hosts – Azerbaijan – and four sides who all will expect to make it to the tournament. Three of the five made the last 16 at the previous European Championships – Slovakia, Hungary and, of course, Croatia.
It will be a sell-out crowd which welcomes Wales to the City Garden Stadium against opponents who are a tough nut to crack at home.
Giggs — who has named four uncapped players in his latest squad with Ben Williams, Joe Rodon, Dylan Levitt and Kiefer Moore all being drafted in— will know their away form is a worry as his country only has two wins in six matches.
With Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey also out, it is surely questionable for Bale and Co. if they will have enough firepower to match-up against the World Cup finalists.
History
These nations have met four times in their history and the Welsh have yet to taste victory.
Their first meeting came in a 2002 summer friendly when Simon Davies opened the scoring before it was cancelled out by Mladen Petric.
Fast forward eight years and Croatia won another friendly on home soil. The 2-0 success came courtesy of goals from Ivan Rakitic and Drago Gabric.
When they met for the first time competitively, Croatia triumphed on both occasions.
It was in qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
Igor Stimac’s side won 2-0 at home with Mario Mandzukic and Eduardo on target.
They also won 2-1 in Wales when late goals from Dejan Lovren and Eduardo ensuring they overturned Bale’s opener in Swansea.
Betting Tip
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Croatia vs Wales | Croatia Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.13 |
| June 8, 21:00 (GMT+8) |
Euro 2020 betting odds favour Croatia.
1X2 odds have them @ 1.59 and First Half 1X2 @ 2.28.
Wales, by contrast, are priced 1X2 @ 5.80 and First Half 1X2 @ 4.80.
With our Asian Handicap betting odds, Croatia are priced -1.00 @ 2.13 – that is my prediction.
They are also favoured with First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.29.
If you are backing the Welsh, then look at First Half Asian Handicap Wales +0.25 @ 2.05.
Over 2.50 goals @ 2.36, total goal 0-1 @ 2.51, 2-3 @ 1.85 and 4-6 @ 4.40 are worth considering, or how about Double Chance Wales or Draw @ 2.23.
If you are going for a repeat of their last meeting six years ago, then Correct Score Croatia 2-1 Wales is available @ 7.40.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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