Croatia have been on a wonderful football arc for the last 10 years having reached World Cup finals and semi-finals and their recent run of form has been very impressive winning four in a row. A home clash against North Macedonia is a tasty encounter and one which should result in a tough clash.
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Croatia vs North Macedonia prediction: A perfect warm-up game
Key stats
- Croatia have kept three clean sheets in their last four games
- North Macedonia have only ever beaten Croatia once in their history
- Croatia have only managed to win two of their last four home matches
Pre-game odds and win probability: Croatia expected to run riot
- Home: 1/3 (1.33) – 75%
- Draw: 4/1 (5.0) – 20%
- Away: 17/2 (9.5) – 10.5%
While North Macedonia are winless in their last six games they certainly won't be a side Croatia can take lightly, they just need to ask England about doing that. Playing away from home will make it more difficult, but Croatia will certainly need to be on top of their game to win.
The Both Teams To Score market looks very appealing given how free-flowing Croatia can be going forward, while North Macedonia have scored in six of their last eight games including one against the Three Lions. However, we do offer a lot more free betting tips if you wish to explore other markets.
Last five H2Hs: North Macedonia often struggle
These two nations have not met since 2012 when they faced off in a World Cup qualifier which Croatia won in fact, North Macedonia have only ever beaten Monday's opponents on one occasion which was all the way back in 2007.
Croatia preview: Time to kick into gear
Despite some of Croatia's top players reaching their twilight years in football, they are continuing to perform on the pitch having reached the UEFA Nations League final last year. Luka Modric will be the heartbeat as always and stopping him is certainly easier said than done.
Predicted lineup: Labrovic (GK), Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Vida, Juranovic, Vlasic, Brozovic, Pjaca, Modric, Majer, Kramaric
UEFA Nations League A 08/09/24
W
Poland
0
Croatia
1
UEFA Nations League A 05/09/24
L
Portugal
2
Croatia
1
Euro 2024 24/06/24
D
Italy
1
Croatia
1
Euro 2024 19/06/24
D
Albania
2
Croatia
2
Euro 2024 15/06/24
L
Spain
3
Croatia
0
North Macedonia preview: Maintaining pride is key
North Macedonia have been on the end of some disappointing results recently which will have them worrying ahead of their visit to Croatia. However, one of their best nights was in Euro 2024 qualifying when they held England to a 1-1 draw so they have the ability to cause an upset on their day.
Predicted lineup: Dimitrievski (GK), Velkovski, Musliu, Zajkov, Alioski, Atanasov, Bardhi, Churlinov, Kostadinov, Elmas, Miovski
Player to watch: Luka Modric
While Luka Modric has not been a regular starter for Real Madrid this season due to the emergence of Jude Bellingham, he is still as key as ever to the way in which his side plays their style of football.
Experience will be key
Games against teams that should be routing on paper are usually quite tricky to navigate, so having the calm and experienced head of Modric in the middle will only benefit Croatia. The technically gifted midfielder has always stepped up when his country needed him the most and this could be enough one of those moments.
