Croatia vs Scotland Prediction: 12/10/2024

Croatia, typically known for advancing far in international tournaments, stumbled during Euro 2024. The Vatreni were eliminated in the group stage, managing only two points from three matches, following a 3-0 defeat to Spain and draws against Albania (2-2) and Italy (1-1).

The disappointment carried over into the Nations League, where they lost their opening game against Portugal 2-1. However, they managed to recover by defeating Poland 1-0 to get their first win of the campaign. Similar to Croatia, Scotland also struggled during the European Championship last season.

Scotland suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Germany in their opening match, secured a single point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, and then lost narrowly to Hungary 0-1 in their final game. The Tartan Army hasn’t been able to improve their form since, as they faced further setbacks in the Nations League in September. They were defeated at home by Poland 3-2 and then lost again away to Portugal 2-1.

Croatia will be without several key players for this round. Vida (105 caps) and Brozovic (99 caps) retired after the Euro, while Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Juranovic (Union Berlin), and Majer (Wolfsburg) are all sidelined due to injuries.

Nonetheless, the legendary Luka Modric (Real Madrid, 180 caps, 27 goals) continues to be available, alongside other essential players like Kovacic (Manchester City, 106 caps), Gvardiol (Manchester City), and Pasalic (Atalanta, 68 caps). Forwards Perisic (PSV Eindhoven, 136 caps, 33 goals), Kramaric (Hoffenheim, 98 caps, 29 goals), and Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb, 41 caps, 11 goals) are also in the lineup, as is Lyon defender Caleta-Car.

Scotland, on the other hand, is also dealing with a number of absences. Key players McKenna (Las Palmas, 39 caps) and top scorer McGinn (Aston Villa, 71 caps, 18 goals) are both injured, along with Tierney (Arsenal) and Hendry (Al-Ettifaq).

However, starting goalkeeper Gordon (Heart, 75 caps) returns after missing the previous games. The squad also includes captain Robertson (Liverpool, 76 caps), midfielders Christie (Bournemouth, 56 caps), McTominay (Naples, 54 caps, 11 goals), McLean (Norwich, 44 caps), Forrest (Celtic), and Gilmour (Naples). Up front, Dykes (Birmingham, 38 caps, 9 goals) and Adams (Torino, 33 caps, 6 goals) are expected to start.

 

Prediction

Scotland has struggled recently at this level, recording three draws and seven losses in their last ten matches, showing how challenging things have been for the visitors. Croatia may not be at their peak, but they still hold an impressive record of 11 wins from their last 16 home games.

Prediction: Croatia 3 : 1 Scotland