Wales v Croatia Betting Tip Croatia – 13 October 2019

WalesWales v CroatiaCroatia
Sunday 12th October 1945hrs
Football – International – Euro 2020 Qualifying
Pick Croatia
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: 6/4 odds taken 1700 GMT, Saturday 12 October)

1 X 2
21/10 11/5 29/20

* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on October 12, 2019 at 17.00)

This is not quite must-win territory for Wales but it’s very close to it following recent results. Group leaders Croatia could seal qualification with a win, however, and will prove formidable opposition.

Euro 2020 Qualifying Betting at Bet365

Wales Preview – Will the Welsh find a massive performance and result they require to keep hopes alive?

The next three games are likely to not only determine whether Wales qualify or not, but also the future of Ryan Giggs. Hopes and expectations were both high coming into this campaign due to the exciting group of younger players coming through to supplement the core of the group who went all the way to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Things started well enough as the Welsh won their opening group game, beating a potential rival in the shape of Slovakia. That, however, is just one of two wins for Wales after five games. Their only other victory was another narrow home victory when defeating bottom of the section Azerbaijan.

Two away defeats, against Hungary and Croatia, have been damaging in their efforts to finish in the top two. How damaging their failure to hold on to a lead against Slovakia on Thursday remains to be seen. Ordinarily a point in that game would be seen as decent but the situation is still very much in the balance. After facing Croatia Wales will have two further games to play next month. A trip to Azerbaijan and then a home game against Hungary complete their campaign. There are many permutations which could yet see them through including even losing this one. Giggs will not be looking beyond this game though and focusing only on leading his team to what would be a famous win. Bruno Petkovic, part of the impressive Dinamo Zagreb side, struck the other two in that win.

Bruno Petkovic to score anytime

Croatia Preview – Can the Croats follow up convincing win last time out and book their place in Euro 2020?

Following a surprising and disappointing draw away to Azerbaijan last month, Croatia were fully aware of what they had to do in order to preserve top spot and keep them in pole position for qualifying. The home game with Hungary on Thursday had the potential of being very tricky due to that opponent also needing points for their own needs. There was never any doubt about the result from early on in the game though, as Croatia showed their class. Their captain and star player Luca Modric led the way with an early goal and a further two first half strikes followed to wrap the game and points up.

The win over Hungary now leaves Croatia in a very healthy position. The World Cup finalists hold a three point lead at the top and could seal qualification with a win and Hungary failing to beat Azerbaijan in tomorrow’s early game in this group. Zlatko Dalic will be hoping that his team can complete the job as quickly as possible, rather than have to beat Slovakia at home in their final group match.

Key-Facts – Wales v Croatia

  • The Welsh have struggled at times in this group but qualification is still in their hands
  • Croatia were excellent in the first half against Hungary on Thursday and looking to bring that level of performance into this game
  • The Croats were 2-1 winners when these teams met back in June but were the superior team throughout

Wales v Croatia Betting Advice

There’s no doubt that Wales have the players that can hurt Croatia and lead them to what would be such an important victory. That said, the quality has not been there for the most part and they will know the dangers that Croatia will pose. The visitors have had their troubles on their travels in this group but they showed exactly how good they can be as recently as Thursday. They also thumped Slovakia 4-0 earlier in the section.
Giggs is coming under pressure from some sections of the media and support for the performances. That is going to put pressure on them on top of everything else they are dealing with. I’m not convinced they can cope with that and Croatia are as awkward on opponent you could wish to face. A win would put them on the brink of qualification and it’s one they are capable of getting.