The Croatians made a big splash in 2018 with their runner-up finish in the World Cup. Since then, however, their performance has gone downhill, as the golden generation of ex-Yugoslavians is getting a bit long in the tooth.
However, they must still be able to make it to the final round in the upcoming qualifying round; anything else would be tantamount to a real embarrassment. What’s more, the group draw was actually relatively favorable, as there is no sign of a real scaremonger in Group H. The tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a short trip to the neighboring country to the north.
The difference in the quality of play between the two teams alone justifies the one-sided odds in the match between Slovenia and Croatia. According to the best bookmakers, there is nothing to be gained for the home side.
However, one should not underestimate the 62nd in the FIFA world rankings, because already in the previous year, the Slovenians repeatedly showed appealing performances. The upcoming Balkan duel could therefore be closer than expected.
Prediction & Live Odds for Slovenia vs. Croatia 24/03/2021
The fact that the bookmakers’ odds are in favor of the visitors in Slovenia vs. Croatia is justified by the fundamental difference in quality between the two teams. However, the Croatians have repeatedly been vulnerable and inattentive in recent years, which is why we do not believe that an away win is completely set in stone.
A good betting option from our point of view is a bet on “both teams to score”, because the home side has a powerful offense, while the guests always make mistakes at the back. However, the Croatians are always successful in front.
Slovenia – statistics & current form
The small central European country was able to conclude the international year 2020 without defeat. It should be mentioned, however, that relatively easy opponents were available as sparring partners in the Nations League Group C.
In the new season, the caliber of the opponents will be completely different, with the southern neighbor leading the way, a team that should be regarded as absolutely world-class. Atletico keeper Oblak could therefore have his work cut out for him on Wednesday evening.
Lack of quality on the pitch
Apart from the goalkeeper, who accounts for almost two-thirds of the total market value of this squad, head coach Matjaz Kek has little quality at his disposal. For example, his midfield strategists Kurtic and Zajc play for Parma and Genoa, two relegation-threatened Serie A clubs. Of the outfield players, only striker Ilicic has enjoyed international success, but at 33 years of age he is already past his prime.
However, the outstanding defensive work in the previous year, when only a single goal was conceded in eight games, deserves special mention. In the game Slovenia vs. Croatia, a tip on a goal by the guests is nevertheless obvious.
Bad memories of Croatia
In the direct duel, Croatia has lost all of its home games so far. In general, the big neighbor has never been defeated so far. The chances of things changing now can be regarded as vanishingly small.
However, we are confident that the home side will score a goal. In the past two years, they have only failed to score in competitive matches against Greece and Austria, but otherwise the offense has usually been accurate in the past. In addition, the guests do not necessarily have the very best defense.
A bet on both sides to score a goal in Slovenia vs. Croatia comes with betting odds of up to 2.05. Interwetten offers the best odds here, and you can place a corresponding bet safely and conveniently in the Interwetten app.
Exected lineup of Slovenia:
Oblak – Stojanovic, Mevlja, Blazic, Balkovec – Zajc, Kurtic – Ilicic, Lovric, Bohar – Sporar
Croatia – Statistics & current form
Last season brought one defeat after the other in the Nations League Group A. Five of the six competitive matches were lost last year, so the worm is in the wind.
However, it should not be forgotten that the Croats have only faced high-ranking opponents recently. Against Slovenia, a victory is therefore nevertheless to be trusted to the “Karierten”. For a corresponding bet Betway offers the best odds with 1.80. For new registrations, the Betway bonus for new customers promises further profits.
Player-wise Croatia is hard to top
In the ranks of the Dalic eleven are numerous top-class names. The midfield is particularly impressive, with Real star Modric, Brozovic (Inter), Kovacic (Chelsea) and Vlasic (Moscow) as well as numerous other top technicians.
The attacking line is also something to show off, as it almost always scores at least one goal. The fact is that the world number eleven has always scored at least one goal in the last 21 international matches. Accordingly, a prediction of a goal by the visitors is obvious for Slovenia vs. Croatia.
Always vulnerable at the back
As far as the personnel is concerned, Coach Dalic has a strong team at his disposal in defense, but since the runner-up spot in the World Cup, things have not been running smoothly at the back. In fact, the team conceded at least one goal in all of last year’s games, and there were also numerous unnecessary goals against weak opponents like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Tunisia in 2019.
The bottom line is that the squad quality clearly speaks for the guests, but a flawless performance is not to be expected from our point of view. We would like to bet on both sides to score against Croatia. It is quite possible that the favorite will once again make a mistake or two in the form of a goal against.
Predicted lineup of Croatia:
Livakovic – Juranovic, Lovren, Caleta-Car, Bradaric – Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric – Pasalic, Vlasic – Perisic