Croatia vs. Brazil - Betting tips, predictions, and odds
Croatia and Brazil will open the quarterfinals at the FIFA World Cup with a game at Education City Stadium. Here you can check out the best Croatia vs. Brazil betting tips and predictions.
H2H, form, and stats
Croatia and Brazil have faced on four occasions, two of which at the World Cup. Brazil won both WC matches (1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2014) and has a W3, D1, L0 record against Croatia.
Croatia is unbeaten in ten games, and although they are not playing flashy and eye-catching football, they produce positive results and are not easy to score against. After finishing 2nd in the group stage behind Morocco, Vatreni needed a penalty shootout to beat brave Japan and progress to the quarterfinals.
Once again, Zlatko Dalić’s men failed to impress. The Samurai Blue got to a 1-0 lead through Daizen Maeda late in the first half, but Ivan Perišić leveled the game with a sublime header in the 55th minute.
We didn't have a lot of excitement in 30 minutes of extra time, so the teams had to decide on a winner via a penalty lottery. Japan was criminal from the spot and missed three shots as Dominik Livaković became only the third goalkeeper who stopped three penalties in the shootout at the World Cup.
Brazil had a much easier job in the Round of 16 against South Korea. Tite’s side scored two quick goals in the opening 13 minutes through Vinicius Junior and Neymar and added two more through Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta to go at halftime with a massive 4-0 lead. A Seleção was happy with that comfortable lead and decided to slow down in the second 45 minutes.
South Korea did score a consolation goal with 15 minutes to go. It was the second goal Brazil conceded at this World Cup. That loss against Cameroon in Round 3 of the group stage was their lone in 19 matches (W15, D3).
Injuries and squad news
After missing the previous game against Japan, left-back Borna Sosa is back in contention and could take Borna Barišić’s place in the starting eleven. Zlatko Dalić surprised many with the inclusion of striker Bruno Petković in the starting XI against Japan. Marko Livaja started two games up front before and could get another nod on Friday, while the rest of the lineup should remain intact.
Brazil’s boss Tite will be delighted to have full-back Alex Sandro back in training after missing the last two matches. His deputy Alex Telles and forward Gabriel Jesus suffered serious injuries and already left Qatar days ago. Tite will likely field the same starting XI from the game against South Korea. Alex Sandro will probably get a chance off the bench.
Betting predictions and odds
Brazil is a heavy 1.32 favorite to beat Croatia and advance to the semifinals. You can also bet on Croatia at 9.60 odds or back a draw at 5.20. For the bettors who like betting on goals, Over 2.5 goals is 1.74 and Under 2.5 goals can be backed at 2.09.
Our best tip for Croatia vs. Brazil game
Let’s face it, Croatia doesn't have the quality to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup. Vatreni are the current vice-champions of the world but that is going to change on Friday. Croatia lost a lot of energy in 120 minutes plus penalties against Japan and Brazil could afford to relax in the second half against South Korea and save strength for this tilt.
Croatia clearly lacks better players in the attack; they are very strong in the midfield and at the back, but Brazil will score two early goals here and it will be the end for the underdogs. We don't think Croatia has what it takes to answer to Brazil’s flair and creativity in the final third.
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Croatia vs. Brazil: Where to watch? Date, hour, and TV schedule
- FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)
- Friday, December 9, 2022,
- 4 PM CET
To check the full TV schedule visit https://www.protipster.com/football-live-stream.
