On the 8th of June will play Croatia vs Wales at Stadion Gradski vrt, in Osijek, in UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification. Denmark against Ireland is the match with big interest because of great National squads and great perspectives in Qualification. Here we will see very interesting clubmates Gareth Bale and Luka Modric game as rivals. Review our thoughts on this Croatia vs Wales match here below.
Croatia
FIFA Rating – 5
In Euro 2020 qualification, teams won their first home games, as well as Croatia, won against Azerbaijan after a comeback. Their last games look really unconfident as they lost away against Hungary. In UEFA Nations League they also looked weaker than ever, even winning against Spain 3:2 at home. They took third place and will be relegated to League B. In Nations League they took a draw against England and lost against Spain 6:0 and England 2:1. The Chequered Ones scored in total 4 and conceded 10 goals. Of course, we are talking about the nearest fails. However, we all remember that they played in the Final of World Cup in Russia. Croatian team was worth it even going further in every round after penalties or extra time. This is an indicator of strong character and striving to win at any price.
Zlatko Dalić managed Croatia in the World Cup. However, there were many misunderstandings about how Zlatko could have attracted a specialist who had spent 7 years in Saudi Arabia without serious work experience. Even through bad luck in Nations League, he already achieved more than it was expected. Luka Modric is one of the most experienced players in Europe playing for his national team. Moreover, he had perfect last season, so he is the most featured player in this game.
SmashingTip predictable Croatia line-up
Head Coach
Zlatko Dalić
Squad
Goalkeepers
Lovre Kalinic
Defenders
Tin Jedvaj, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic;
Midfielders
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric; Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic;
Strikers
Ivan Perisic;
Wales
FIFA Rating – 19
Let’s start from the moment when Wales flew past the World Championship due to losing the most important match against Ireland in qualification. This lost was one the most painful for them and their fans, especially playing at home ground. Most interesting, that they were in one group in Nations League, where Wales won twice without any big problems. However, they took second place and saved their place in League B. Biggest consolation was knocking out Ireland to League C. Most interesting and joyful, that one more ex-player known in all over the world Ryan Giggs become manager of Wales in 2018. Most respectful and one of the Wales national squad legends will lead the team to new and highest achievements.
Giggs called very strong, although, very young team for games against Croatia and Hungary. Most of the players are playing in England, however, we can find those who come from La Liga, Bundesliga and Eredivisie. Gareth Bale, Sam Vokes, Chris Gunter, Wayne Hennessey, and other experienced players will fight till the end reaching the highest possible place in qualification.
SmashingTip predictable Wales line-up
Head Coach
Ryan Giggs
Squad
Goalkeepers
Wayne Hennessey;
Defenders
Chris Gunter, Ashley Williams, Connor Roberts, Neil Taylor;
Midfielders
Joe Allen, Jonny Williams, Harry Wilson, Matthew Smith, David Brooks;
Strikers
Gareth Bale;
Croatia vs Wales H2H
Last time these teams met in qualification for World Cup 2014. That time Croatia was stronger twice, away as well as at home. Since those times, there are several players in both national teams who are still playing. It will be very interesting to see how teams and their games style changed after such a long time.
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