Croatia vs Spain Prediction & Betting Tips

November 14, 2018

Posted by Tesla

The last time these two met, the score was 6:0 Spain. Obviously, the World Cup runner-up is looking for a revenge. And this time, Croatia will have support from the stands of completely sold-out Maksimir. So, the big question is can they make it? Find out in this Croatia vs Spain prediction and betting tips!

Croatia

Croatia achieved the biggest success in their football history this summer when they reached the final of the World Cup 2018. But, since reaching almost the top of the world, they’ve been dropping down. And the biggest humiliation they experienced since was the 6:0 defeat to Spain that happened in September.

Two months have passed and Croatia are looking for a revenge. Many things are different now, starting with the fact that this time Croatia is hosting the match. And they’re doing it at the biggest stadium in the country, Maksimir. According to the latest news, the stadium is completely sold-out, meaning that Croatia will have a support of over 30,000 people.

Apart from getting the support from the stands, there’s another reason why Croatia are expected to be very motivated in this game. They are currently on the bottom of the table, with just 1 point after two rounds of the UEFA Nations League. And the team that stays there gets relegated to the League 2.

What must worry them is that Croatia players do not seem as enthusiastic as they were at the World Cup. They appear to be much more focused on what’s going on in their clubs than what’s happening on the pitch when they’re playing in the checkered red and white shirt. Still, the biggest worry for their fans is that Spain have been playing pretty impressive lately.

Spain

Since the debacle at the World Cup 2018, Spain seem to be heading the right direction. It’s not a surprise, knowing that they have a fantastic squad, with players who play at some of the world’s best clubs.

And even the disappointment they made to their fans in Russia, when they got knocked out by the tournament host in the Round of 16 is not due to their lack of quality. Instead, it’s due to the fact that they got a new coach just a few days before the start of the tournament, after Lopetegui got sacked for accepting Real Madrid’s offer behind Spain FA’s back.

But, since Luis Enrique has been in charge, Spain have been doing pretty well. In fact, they won 3 out of 4 matches in which he was in charge of the team tactics. The good form brought them to the first place of the Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League, above England and Croatia, respectively.

Still, they did lost to England in the previous match, which means that the Three Lions are now only 2 points behind. And to keep their distance, Spain will have to do well against Croatia. By well, I mean that they mustn’t lose. But, I’m sure they’re traveling to Zagreb not to defend but to try to win all 3 points.

Possible Lineups

Croatia

Kalinic – Lovren, Vida, Vrsaljko, Jedvaj – Kovacic, Modric, Rakitic – Perisic, Rebic, Kramaric

Spain

De Gea – Ramos, Inigo Martinez, Sergi Roberto, Alba – Busquets, Isco, Asensio, Saul – Suso, Morata