📢 Will the head-to-head clash between Croatia and the Czech Republic in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers be the highlight of the matchday? At Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium, the top contenders for the first place in Group L will face off. Both teams have started the qualification campaign strongly and currently look formidable. Croatia, traditionally dangerous, can surprise any opponent, while the Czech Republic are on a great run and remain unbeaten. This encounter promises to be a pivotal one and could set the tone for the entire battle for group supremacy.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past decade, Croatia and the Czech Republic have faced off twice, both times at the European Championships. In 2016, the teams played to a 2-2 draw, and in 2021, they once again shared the spoils with a 1-1 result. Both encounters took place during the group stage of the Euros and proved to be quite competitive.
Croatia Team Overview
🔴 The Croatian national team remains one of the most intriguing dark horses in European football, even as their star veterans gradually step back. The team recently reached the World Cup final in 2018 and secured a bronze medal in 2022, underscoring their consistency and knack for delivering results on the big stage. While the younger generation is beginning to take on key roles, Croatia continues to surprise top national teams. Their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup kicked off in style with a commanding 7-0 victory over Gibraltar, once again highlighting their attacking prowess and ambitions.
Czech Republic Team Overview
⚪ The Czech national team is gradually reaching new heights, with emerging stars helping them increasingly surprise their opponents. They are on an eight-match unbeaten streak, indicating significant progress. In the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Czech Republic have made a strong start with three victories—against the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0)—securing the top spot in their group. This showcases the team's serious ambitions, clearly aiming for direct qualification to the global tournament.
Latest news
Croatia
✅ Last week, the Croatian national team delivered a commanding 7-0 victory over Gibraltar, showcasing a dominant performance. Several players from that starting lineup are expected to retain their spots in the upcoming match. Luka Modric began that game on the bench but is likely to start this time, partnering with Lovro Majer in midfield.
Czech Republic
✅ As for the Czech national team, Patrik Schick is in outstanding form, having already netted four goals in three matches during the current qualifying campaign. He is expected to start once again against Croatia. Meanwhile, Adam Hlozek remains doubtful after picking up an injury and being substituted in the 28th minute during the 2-0 victory over Montenegro.
⚽️ Goal Predictions
⚽️ Goal Predictions
Both national teams showcase an attacking style and rarely leave the pitch without finding the back of the net. Croatia consistently scores, even against top-tier opponents, utilizing both positional play and swift counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Czech Republic boasts a balanced attacking line capable of creating chances even in tight contests. The head-to-head history also supports this bet: in both matches between these teams over the past 10 years, both sides have scored. Considering the attacking potential and playing style of both teams, we predict both teams to score.
🚩 Corner Predictions
Both teams prefer to play on the front foot and attack aggressively, which directly impacts the number of corners earned. Croatia consistently applies pressure on their opponents' goal, as evidenced by their 12 corners in the recent match against Gibraltar (7-0). Czech Republic also showed attacking intent with 8 corners in their game against Montenegro (2-0). Given their similar playing styles and high tempo, it's reasonable to expect that the teams will comfortably surpass the 10-corner mark combined. Therefore, we are backing total corners over 9.5.
Editorial Prediction
Croatia are seen as clear favorites for the upcoming clash, but it's crucial not to underestimate the Czech Republic. The Czechs have been displaying quality attacking football, starting their qualifying campaign confidently and consistently finding the net, scoring in 14 of their last 15 matches. In their current form, the visitors are more than capable of posing serious challenges to Croatia and at least breaching their defense, which is why we're backing a Czech goal. It wouldn't be surprising if the encounter ends in a draw, say, with a scoreline of 1-1.[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
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