Rob Page takes Wales to Split this weekend to face Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier. The Croatians are the favorites to win Group D, while the Dragons could be the dark horse in the group.
Croatia’s record in FIFA World Cups since becoming a sole nation has been good, but they have only gotten past the Round of 16 stage at a Euros once since 1996. Can Croatia qualify and go far in Germany next year?
Keep reading our preview for the latest soccer stats and Croatia vs Wales picks.
Croatia vs. Wales Odds
Going by the latest soccer odds, Croatia is the bookies’ favorite in this Euro qualifier. They are many people’s soccer picks in this one at -175. The home team would love to get off to a winning start here.
Wales starts life without talisman Gareth Bale, who retired after the 2022 World Cup. Still, the Dragons have a more than capable squad. They are underdogs in this one, though, with the bookmakers pricing the away victory at +450 and the draw at +300. Betting on Wales games is always exciting, and +450 is a tempting price.
Croatia vs. Wales Matchup Information
Croatia vs Wales
Location of the Game: Stadion Poljud, Split.
Date and Time: Saturday, 25, 2023, 2:45 PM ET.
How to Watch: VIX+
Croatia vs. Wales Betting Preview
Croatia
Croatia reached the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and they had another excellent World Cup tournament last year. The Blazers proved the doubters wrong again and secured the bronze medal in Qatar.
After impressing on the world stage, Croatia is now looking for a successful European campaign. They made their first appearance in England in 1996 and reached the quarter-finals. They made it to the last eight again in 2008, but those are their best Euros results.
Croatia is one of the form soccer teams in international soccer right now. They lost 3-0 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final last year, but that remains their only defeat since June 2022. Since the summer of 2021, Zlatko Dalic’s troops have been beaten on just two occasions.
Croatia is eyeing up top spot in the group, and three points on home turf this weekend will set them up nicely. Wales can be a tough nut to crack, but the home side will be looking for a win. Keep reading for our Croatia vs Wales picks.
Wales
Wales has been on a rapid rise over the past decade or so. Last year’s World Cup in Qatar was their first appearance on the grandest stage since 1958. They also played in the 2016 and 2020 Euros.
Despite failing to win a game in Qatar, it was a monumental occasion for the nation. They drew with United States in game one, with Bale scoring from the spot late on to give them a point. However, losses to Iran and England followed.
Despite their fine run over the past few years, Wales has struggled for wins in recent times, picking up just one from their last 11 games. Since a 1-0 success over Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying play-off, the Dragons have drawn two and lost six of eight.
This will be another stern test for the Welsh, but can Page’s boys pick up a positive result?
Our Croatia vs Wales picks are below.
Croatia vs. Wales Betting Picks
Both nations boast top players from the best soccer leagues in Europe. On paper, the pair look pretty evenly matched, though Croatia are the favorites to get the win on home soil.
Considering their recent form, Wales need a win as soon as possible, but a draw would be a great result for the away team. We can see Page’s men battling hard to grab a point in Split.
- Take a punt on the draw and both teams to score at +500. Also, you can get under 2.5 goals at -138.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.