Croatia have been a member of FIFA and UEFA since 1993 after gaining independence from the former Yugoslavia. They were a regular fixture at major tournaments until 1998 where they finished third, their best-ever performance. Until 2018, when Croatia lost out in the final against France.
Croatia have endured mixed fortunes since 1998, failing to qualify for any major tournament until the World Cup 2006. Croatia then reached Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012, and World Cup 2014 but was eliminated in each of these tournaments in the first round.
Croatia qualified for Euro 2016 as Group H runners-up behind Italy. They made the final in 2018 but lost out in the group stages at the 2020 Euros.
Croatia’s trademark home kit is based on its national coat of arms, and despite minor redesigns, it has largely remained intact since 1990. Their fans are fiercely patriotic and contribute to a brilliant atmosphere, which has seen Croatia win most home games. Croatia plays their home fixtures at Dinamo Zagred’s ground, the Stadion Maksimir. The Croatian Football Association has plans to further expand the stadium shortly.
Best Croatia Football Team Betting Lines
Here are the odds for Croatia’s next match and consider the strengths and weaknesses of their likely line-up and that of the opposition.
Croatia Football Team Season Schedule
Plan your future Croatia bets by looking at the schedule below and picking out key fixtures. Pay attention to whether Croatia plays at home or on the road as that could be the deciding factor.
Croatia Football Team League Standings
Trust Croatia to battle for one of two available qualifying spots for major tournaments. Their competitiveness, partisan home support and perfect balance of skill and guile guarantees this.
How To Win At Croatia Football Team Bets
Your first piece of research should be to consider whether Croatia are favorites in the outright match betting market or not. On many occasions, Croatia has won comfortably against weaker European nations by two goals or more. You may find it fruitful to consider the over markets if Croatia is heavy favorites in a match, as they have an innate ability to create chances and convert.
Croatia wins over 50% of home matches, so note whether their upcoming game is on home soil. During the 2018 World Cup, Croatia made it to the final but lost 4-2 to a powerful France team.
Croatia has a settled team that includes several experienced professionals. The Croatian midfield is littered with talent. It includes star players Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and rising star Mateo Kovacic. Rakitic is getting old now but remains a top-class talent. Croatia’s results depend on how well Rakitic and Modric perform together in the heart of midfield.
While Croatia boasts many established professionals who play at the highest domestic level, their team lacks an exciting young crop of stars. They’re a bit predictable, making value hard to find for Croatia at the bookies.
Forward Ivan Perisic has been in a rich vein of form recently and was amongst the top goalscorers, having joined Antonio Conte's Tottenham for the 2022/23 season. With creative talents such as Modric and Rakitic supplying him with ammunition, Perisic can damage any defence.
Croatia’s other main goal-scoring threat comes from Mario Mandzukic and Nikola Vlašić. Mandzukic. Both players spearhead an attack that has proven devastating on the international stage. Both forwards offer reasonable odds for first goal scorer too.
At major tournaments, you might be able to capture some value betting on Croatia to go further than the group stages. With players like Modric, Vlašić, Rakitic, Mandzukic, and Perisic in their starting lineup, they have the team to take them there.
