Croatia vs Brazil Predictions

• Brazil have hit seven goals in four World Cup games.
• The Selecao have conceded in their last two games.
• Croatia have scored in 10 of their 13 games in 2o22.
• Ivan Perisic is now Croatia’s leading scorer in World Cups and is averaging 2.5 shots-per-game.

Croatia test for favourites Brazil

Brazil are the clear favourites to go all the way and win the World Cup after thrashing South Korea 4-1 in the last 16 but they may not have it all their own way against quarter-final opponents Croatia on Friday.

The 2018 runners-up made hard work of their own last 16 tie as they were taken the full distance by Japan before triumphing on penalties. That was hardly a vintage display from Croatia, but they tend to raise their game against the bigger teams and we should see an improved showing from Zlatko Dalic’s men on Friday.

Both teams capable of scoring

Given Brazil’s short price to win, the goals markets stand out and the odds against price on both teams to score looks a decent option here.

The South American heavyweights have conceded in their last two games and Croatia are generally good for a goal. Admittedly, the Europeans have failed to score in two of their games in Qatar but they are yet to lose and they knew a point would be good enough to progress in their 0-0 stalemate with Belgium and as such never really needed to force this issue.

The Croats have scored in 10 of their 13 games in 2022, and they have the talent to find a way through against Brazil even if getting a result looks too big of an ask.

Brazil should be comfortable winners

Brazil have won three of their four games in Qatar and they were able to rotate for their final group fixture against Cameroon, losing that clash 1-0 to the Africans. Croatia’s ageing stars have seen more game time and after being dragged into extra time by Japan this looks a test too far and the Selecao are rightly heavy favourites to win.

The 4-1 win over South Korea was Brazil’s biggest of the tournament so far and this incarnation of the team is perhaps a little more defensively minded and pragmatic than in years gone by, so I’m not expecting a huge win for the tournament favourites but they can still win comfortably and a 3-1 victory is the correct score selection.

Croatia have only conceded three goals once in their last 20 games and they will set up to defend and try and hit Brazil on the counter, and it may take Tite’s side a while to make a breakthrough so a 3-1 win looks a reasonable selection.

Vinicuis Junior and Richarlison appeal as possible scorers for Brazil but as I’m expecting a goal for Croatia it makes sense to go for one of their players to grab a goal as that is where the value is, and Ivan Perisic looks an excellent candidate. The Spurs man scored against Japan and is now his country’s all-time leading scorer in World Cups, and he is averaging 2.5 shots-per-game in Qatar so he should see a chance or two come his way against Brazil.

Best Croatia vs Brazil betting offers