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WC Qualifications, 24-25. March
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
Slovenia vs Croatia Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Slovenia:
Oblak; Stojanovic, Mevlja, Blazic, Jokic; Kurtic, Zajc; Crnigoj, Ilicic, Bohar; Sporar
Croatia:
Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Barisic; Modric, Kovacic; Brekalo, Vlasic, Perisic; Kramaric
Slovenia host Croatia at the Stozice Sports Park on Wednesday in the FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture. They are part of Group H that also contains of Russia, Slovakia, Malta and Cyprus. Slovenia and Croatia are between the favorites for top positions. There is a big rivalry between two neighboring countries, so I expect the players from both national teams to be fully motivated. Slovenia failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, as they finished as fourth in their group, behind England, Scotland and Slovakia. In addition, they failed to qualify for this summer's EURO. As a result, the Greens have spoiled their position and now are ranked outside of the top-60 in the FIFA list. However, that's mean nothing, Matjaz Kek’s men will not give up against the vice-champions from the last World Cup in Russia. They have the home advantage and this fact should not be underestimated because Slovenia have suffered just one defeat in their last 12 home matches across all competitions. Furthermore, coach Kek has some top-class players, like goalkeeper Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid. It is hard to believe, but Oblak has conceded just one goal in the whole of 2020. He was the hero in Sunday's 1:0 win against Alaves after saved a late penalty to ensure Atletico remained four points clear at the top of La Liga. Slovenia are unbeaten in eight consecutive meetings, recording five victories and three draws. It is impressive they conceded just a single goal in the process, though we must be honest - most of the opponents were mediocre teams like Moldova, Kosovo, Azerbaijan or San Marino. According to me, only the goalless draws with Greece (home and away) have some value. Kek has two issues ahead of this match as Benjamin Verbic from Dynamo Kiev is injured, while Jaka Bijol from Hannover is observing a quarantine period. Bijol is selected, but his involvement depends of the latest test-results.
As I wrote above, Croatia are the vice-champions from the last World Cup. But since then, they are playing worse. The retirement of some players and the change of generations are between the reasons for bad results. Croatia were far from their best form in 2020, winning only two of eight matches for the calendar year. To be worse, they suffered five defeats in the process. Worst of all, they are in series of three defeats on the last three competitive fixtures. Zlatko Dalic’s men lost 2:1 to France in October, then lost 2:1 to Sweden and 3:2 to Portugal in November. Overall, Croatia lost five of the six matches in UEFA Nations League A Group 3, winning only against Sweden at home. However, Slovenia are not that strong and this is a perfect opportunity for Blazers to return to the winning path. Croatia have never lost to Slovenia in any of their nine meetings since their independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Croatia are dominant side having won six of he nine mutual games and drawing the remaining three. The last game between the two sides was played some 13 years ago when Croatia won 3-2 in a friendly match. Coach Dalic has some injury worries ahead of the short trip to Ljubljana. Ante Rebic, Marko Rog and Bruno Petkovic are all sidelined due to injuries. One of the key midfielders Ivan Rakitic has decided to retire from international duty, Most probably Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric will start as main creatives. Domagoj Vida, who played 45 minutes in November's friendly against Turkey before finding out he had contracted coronavirus, should start here. Kramaric seems set to lead the line in Rebic's absence. Of course, Dalic has a joker in Mislav Orsic from Dinamo Zagreb, a man who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham in UEFA Europa League.
Slovenia vs Croatia Prediction:
Croatia will go for victory in their inaugural match of the group, however it won't be easy. Slovenia are unbeaten in eight consecutive matches in which they conceded just a single goal. Croatia are missing two key attackers Rebic and Petkovic, so I expect a low scoring match.
Slovenia vs Croatia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.72 with Betsafe
Possible starting lineups:
Slovenia:
Oblak; Stojanovic, Mevlja, Blazic, Jokic; Kurtic, Zajc; Crnigoj, Ilicic, Bohar; Sporar
Croatia:
Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Barisic; Modric, Kovacic; Brekalo, Vlasic, Perisic; Kramaric
Slovenia host Croatia at the Stozice Sports Park on Wednesday in the FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture. They are part of Group H that also contains of Russia, Slovakia, Malta and Cyprus. Slovenia and Croatia are between the favorites for top positions. There is a big rivalry between two neighboring countries, so I expect the players from both national teams to be fully motivated. Slovenia failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, as they finished as fourth in their group, behind England, Scotland and Slovakia. In addition, they failed to qualify for this summer's EURO. As a result, the Greens have spoiled their position and now are ranked outside of the top-60 in the FIFA list. However, that's mean nothing, Matjaz Kek’s men will not give up against the vice-champions from the last World Cup in Russia. They have the home advantage and this fact should not be underestimated because Slovenia have suffered just one defeat in their last 12 home matches across all competitions. Furthermore, coach Kek has some top-class players, like goalkeeper Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid. It is hard to believe, but Oblak has conceded just one goal in the whole of 2020. He was the hero in Sunday's 1:0 win against Alaves after saved a late penalty to ensure Atletico remained four points clear at the top of La Liga. Slovenia are unbeaten in eight consecutive meetings, recording five victories and three draws. It is impressive they conceded just a single goal in the process, though we must be honest - most of the opponents were mediocre teams like Moldova, Kosovo, Azerbaijan or San Marino. According to me, only the goalless draws with Greece (home and away) have some value. Kek has two issues ahead of this match as Benjamin Verbic from Dynamo Kiev is injured, while Jaka Bijol from Hannover is observing a quarantine period. Bijol is selected, but his involvement depends of the latest test-results.
As I wrote above, Croatia are the vice-champions from the last World Cup. But since then, they are playing worse. The retirement of some players and the change of generations are between the reasons for bad results. Croatia were far from their best form in 2020, winning only two of eight matches for the calendar year. To be worse, they suffered five defeats in the process. Worst of all, they are in series of three defeats on the last three competitive fixtures. Zlatko Dalic’s men lost 2:1 to France in October, then lost 2:1 to Sweden and 3:2 to Portugal in November. Overall, Croatia lost five of the six matches in UEFA Nations League A Group 3, winning only against Sweden at home. However, Slovenia are not that strong and this is a perfect opportunity for Blazers to return to the winning path. Croatia have never lost to Slovenia in any of their nine meetings since their independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Croatia are dominant side having won six of he nine mutual games and drawing the remaining three. The last game between the two sides was played some 13 years ago when Croatia won 3-2 in a friendly match. Coach Dalic has some injury worries ahead of the short trip to Ljubljana. Ante Rebic, Marko Rog and Bruno Petkovic are all sidelined due to injuries. One of the key midfielders Ivan Rakitic has decided to retire from international duty, Most probably Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric will start as main creatives. Domagoj Vida, who played 45 minutes in November's friendly against Turkey before finding out he had contracted coronavirus, should start here. Kramaric seems set to lead the line in Rebic's absence. Of course, Dalic has a joker in Mislav Orsic from Dinamo Zagreb, a man who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham in UEFA Europa League.
Slovenia vs Croatia Prediction:
Croatia will go for victory in their inaugural match of the group, however it won't be easy. Slovenia are unbeaten in eight consecutive matches in which they conceded just a single goal. Croatia are missing two key attackers Rebic and Petkovic, so I expect a low scoring match.
Slovenia vs Croatia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.72 with Betsafe
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Switzerland played well against the best in Europe during the Nations League, so Petkovic can expect his team to be above its opponents from day one. The hosts will enjoy the opportunity to learn from their new coach, but it would take a miracle for Petrov to inspire his team, so a comfortable victory away from Switzerland is the only result we can predict.
A tough showdown is expected tonight and Hungary are likely to be stubborn rivals for the Poles to collapse. The hosts will go to keep their home against Poland intact, we believe it will be judged in detail and I will go with the few goals.
Bulgaria vs. Switzerland @@ win Switzerland, odds 1,47
A tough showdown is expected tonight and Hungary are likely to be stubborn rivals for the Poles to collapse. The hosts will go to keep their home against Poland intact, we believe it will be judged in detail and I will go with the few goals.