Croatia-Wales is a match on the first day of Group D of Euro 2024 qualifying and is played on Saturday at 20:45: tv, predictions.
Before the World Cup in Qatar, Croatia gave the impression of being at the end of the cycle. No one could have imagined that the white-and-white chequered selection would have the strength to return to the world’s top four after their exploits four and a half years earlier in Russia, when they went on to challenge France for the cup. And instead Zlatko Dalic’s men, relying on a deluxe Modric, stunned everyone by pushing through to the semi-finals.
Petkovic’s goal three minutes from the end of extra time, as the greenoro were already looking forward to the all-South American challenge in the semi-final against Argentina, upset the plans of Neymar and his team-mates, who then had the worst of it on penalties. In the next game, however, Croatia surrendered 3-0 to Messi – the only occasion in which they conceded more than one goal, confirming their defensive solidity – but in the final round they got the better of Morocco, thus taking the final step on the podium. It was thought that this was the swan song of an absolute phenomenon like the Real Madrid midfielder, ready to say goodbye to the national team. Not so: he and the other veteran Perisic will continue to contribute to the cause, with the European Championship in Germany in their sights, while the only one to retire was the experienced defender Lovren.
Wales, is there life after Bale?
The road to qualifying for Euro 2024 is tricky but far from impossible. Croatia are the big favourites in the group with Wales, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia. One of the main threats comes from the British.
Page
Wales and Turkey, in fact, are the ones who could theoretically give the Croatians a run for their money. We will know more after the first day, when Dalic’s line-up will face Robert Page’s selection, orphaned by Gareth Bale. With the retirement of the former Tottenham and Real Madrid player, an era has ended. And in a sad way too, as Wales were one of the worst teams at the World Cup, scoring just one goal and collecting barely a point in the group with the USA, Iran and England. Their last success in an official match was about a year ago, when the Dragons won the play-off against Ukraine.
The Prediction
Croatia – who have always come out on top in their last four challenges against the Brits – are still relying on their veterans and beating Wales, without their totem Bale, should pose no problem. Dalic’s men proved very solid at the World Cup and are also likely to keep their goal unbeaten.
Croatia v Wales likely line-up
- CROATIA (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic.
- GALLES (3-5-2): Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Cabango; Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Wilson, Williams; James, Moore.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
