Outright Odds: 66/1
Group F Winners: 6/1
Croatia enter their third successive finals and will look for a repeat of the heroics of 1998 rather than the embarrassment of 2002. They topped a difficult qualifying group which included Bulgaria and Hungary and remained unbeaten over 10 matches which included home and away victories over fellow qualifiers Sweden.
Under manager Zlatko Kranjcar Croatia are a different team to how neutrals will remember them from their 1998 exploits which saw them reach the semi-final. Gone are flair players such as Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki and former Golden Boot Davor Suker. They have been replaced by more functional players such as the Kovac brothers, Marko Babic and Dado Prso.
Like fellow qualifiers Serbia & Montenegro, Croatia’s success stemmed from a strong defence where they kept six clean sheets in 10 games and conceded just five goals in the process.
Another strength is a number of the current Croatia squad are based in the Bundesliga, with Josip Simunic and Niko Kovac at Hertha Berlin, Babic based at Bayer Leverkusen and Ivan Klasnic contracted to Werder Bremen.
Croatia have unearthed a talent in midfielder Dario Srna who has developed a knack for scoring crucial goals. The Shakhtar Donetsk player scored both goals in the two 1-0 wins over Sweden in the defining matches of the group.
Key striker Dado Prso scored five goals in qualifying, his country’s joint top scorer with Srna. He burst into prominence when he netted four goals for Monaco in the 8-3 Champions League thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna. He made his international debut eight months prior to the match but has since become an automatic choice in attack.
Croatia have gone about their business quietly and confidently and despite their unbeaten qualification efforts, will remain unfancied by many to make any impact in the finals. That will suit them fine as former coach Mirko Jozic blamed the pressure on the class of 1998 for the dismal failure of the 2002 squad which saw them lose 1-0 to Ecuador in their final match.
Finally, they face favourites Brazil in their opening match so will not have to worry about facing the reigning champions in a crunch group decider. If they can take anything from that game they will be in pole position to reaching the second round.
Recommended Bet
Despite the apparent toughness of the group, Croatia are more than capable of qualifying from it given their recent showings in qualifying for the finals. With one of the meanest defences in Europe and a host of players plying their trade in Germany they are a sound bet to follow Brazil into the last 16.
Croatia to qualify from Group F @ 5/6
David Walker runs a free World Cup bets website and written World Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available from the website and features a “free World Cup football shirt” offer.
