The World Cup is in full swing and that means the second match is already scheduled for the countries in Pool F as well. This match is arguably the most important of the three, as it will determine who is in sight of reaching the eighth finals. For both Canada and Croatia, a win is actually necessary. Especially for Croatia. The surprise finalist from the previous World Cup is certainly not ranked among the top favourites (12th according to the bookies), but the Croatians owe it to their standing to make it to the next round. On paper, Canada is the least team in the pool, so they will need to win.
Prediction Croatia – Canada
Canada is expected to play a lot less than Croatia, but however the Canadians came up more than excellent against Belgium last Wednesday. With a minuscule 1-0 defeat, the Canadians actually got too little. Croatia countered that with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Morocco. The odds are therefore less favourable for Croatia than you might expect. While the bookies expect a win for the Croatians, the odds are not such that a Canadian result should be looked up to. Hence, betting on something other than just the winner for this duel is interesting.
Croatia latest news and statistics
That the first match in the pool, against Morocco, could not be turned into a victory was a big blow for the Croatians. So far, coach Zlatko Dalic’s team is enjoying a fine year, losing only once in ten matches played. Especially in the Nations League, the team was good for impressive performances, with a win and a draw against France and two wins against Denmark. Together with the 2018 final spot, it makes expectations at least reach the second round anyway, which means the team is expected to finish at least above Morocco and Canada in the pool. With players like Brozovic (Inter Milan), Kovacic (Chelsea) and Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), the Croatians should be considered more than capable of doing so as well.
Canada latest news and statistics
Canada is typically one of those teams where you think participation in a World Cup is quite a prize in itself. A look at the statistics tells you why: it is only the second World Cup participation for Canada. Only in 1986 did the Canadians participate earlier. Incidentally, a third time will come in 2026, when Canada will host the tournament along with the US and Mexico. Looking at Canada’s current squad, three pool matches seem to be the maximum the Canadians can hope for.
Although a more than fine match against highly regarded Belgium proved that we may be selling the Canadians short by doing so. With striker Jonathan David (LOSC Lille) and linskback Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), the team has two top players active in Europe. However, the rest of the squad consists mainly of players from North America’s own Major League Soccer.
Croatia – Canada previous encounters
We can be brief about previous encounters between Croatia and Canada: there are none. Never before did both teams play against each other.
Croatia – Canada: Betting Tip & Odds
Canada got off to a good start and Croatia, on the other hand, a bit hesitant. That might tempt a bet on a good result for the Canadians. Croatia, however, has more than enough quality to win (comfortably) and is bolstered by the knowledge that a win is ab-so-lutely necessary. Therefore, we think Croatia will win fairly easily against Canada – by at least two goals difference.
- Tip: Croatia wins by at least two goals difference
- Odds: 3/1 at bookmaker Bet365
- Risk assessment: medium
- Recommended stake: 3/10