Croatia vs Azerbaijan Predictions

Croatia’s golden generation finally made their mark on the world stage last summer as they made it all the way to the final in Russia. They may have left as beaten finalists, but considering they outlived the likes of Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Portugal, and England, it was a phenomenal result for them.

They were pushed on by the efforts of their incredibly talented midfield, with the maestro orchestrating their path to the final being Luke Modric. It was these performances that played a major role in him winning the Ballon d’Or later in the year, and he remains in the Croatia squad alongside the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Badelj, Ivan Perisic, Domagoj Vida, and Dejan Lovren.

In fact, it’s fairly clear that all of these key players are a part of Zlatko Dalic’s plans over the next year and a half, although there is a certain eye to the future with the inclusions of Mateo Kovacic, Marko Rog, Mario Pasalic, aJosip Brekalo, and Tin Jedvaj.

Croatia haven’t quite been at the same level since the World Cup ended though. Their last outing was a 2-1 loss at the hands of England in the UEFA Nations League, making it two wins, two draws, and two defeats since their final loss in Russia last summer. Still, these failures to win came against Spain, England, and Portugal. Azerbaijan are unlikely to cause them the same issues.

The visitors come into this Euro 2020 qualifying campaign as firm underdogs against Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Wales. Their last match was a dreadful 4-0 defeat against the recently formed Kosovo, and this isn’t the only disappointing result to fall their way recently. They have failed to beat minnows Malta both home and away and were held to a draw at home against Kosovo.

Away from home they have lost five of their last nine matches, including some heavy defeats as well. Northern Ireland beat them 4-0, Germany clinched a 5-1 win, and Kazakhstan won 3-0 before their aforementioned 4-0 loss in Kosovo. Now they face a side who scored three against Spain in their last home match, so it could be a tough evening for the visitors.

With Azerbaijan conceding at least three goals in five of their last nine away games, most of which were against teams far below Croatia’s standards, we’re expecting a strong attacking showing from the hosts. Backing a Croatia Over 2.5 Team Goals alongside a 4-0 correct score prediction looks the best course of action.