Get a preview of the exciting match of Croatia vs Latvia. Check out the match details, team news, head-to-head, and our prediction.
In the much-anticipated Euro 2024 qualifiers, Croatia plays Latvia in what should be a very exciting game of football. As both teams head back to qualifying, let’s take a closer look at this match and give you some tips that will help you stay ahead of the competition.
Croatia vs Latvia Match Preview
Croatia’s Strong Start
After two games in Group D, Croatia is still perfect. They have shown how good they are on the field. Even though they only played two qualifiers because they were in the UEFA Nations League Finals, they still got four important points.
Their trip started with a 1-1 draw against Wales, which showed how strong they were. The team led by Zlatko Dalic went on to beat Turkey in Bursa by a score of 2-0. Mateo Kovacic, the newest player to join Manchester City, was a key part of this win. He scored twice in the first half, which sealed the deal.
Croatia has had an excellent run in the UEFA Nations League, in addition to their good start in the qualifiers. In the semi-finals, they beat the Netherlands 4-2 in extra time, which was a thrilling game. However, after a goalless draw with Spain and a loss in the spot shootout, they just missed winning the tournament.
Croatia’s recent track record is impressive, as they have only lost one of their last 17 games that lasted the full 90 minutes. This amazing stability helped them get to the semi-finals of the World Cup in December, where they lost to champions Argentina but won the bronze medal in Qatar. Since 2017, when Dalic took over as coach, Croatia has become one of the most successful national teams in recent times.
Latvia’s Struggles
In stark comparison, Latvia is in a difficult situation. They are currently at the bottom of Group D because they lost their first three qualifying games in a row. Their problems don’t stop with these qualifiers, as they haven’t won any of their last eight matches that lasted the full 90 minutes. In November, they beat Estonia in a spot shootout in the semi-finals of the Baltic Cup. This was their only win.
Since then, Dainis Kazakevics’s team has lost the last four games in a row. In a sad 3-2 loss to Turkey, Kristers Tobers’ goal in the 94th minute tied the score, but Irfan Kahveci’s goal in the 95th minute won the game for Turkey. Their bad luck kept going when they lost 2-1 to Armenia. During that game, the hosts had 67% of the ball and 21 shots, but Latvia didn’t even get a single shot on goal. Considering that Latvia has only won 21 of their 75 European Championship qualifiers in the past, their chances of qualifying look at best difficult.
Croatia vs Latvia Team News
Croatia’s Experience vs. Latvia’s Youth
Croatia boasts a squad filled with seasoned players, with six members of their 23-man roster having accumulated over 80 international caps. This includes the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Andrej Kramaric. Furthermore, icons such as Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Domagoj Vida have each surpassed a century of international appearances.
On the other hand, Zlatko Dalic has introduced fresh faces to the Croatian lineup, including the uncapped duo of Nediljko Labrovic and Matija Frigan. Additionally, Benfica striker Peter Musa, with the potential to earn his third cap, adds youthful energy to the team.
It’s essential to note that veteran center-back Dejan Lovren has retired from international football, and injuries have sidelined key players like Lovre Kalinic, Luka Sucic, and Mislav Orsic.
Latvia’s squad, in contrast, lacks the experience of their Croatian counterparts. Only three Latvian players—Kaspars Dubra, Roberts Savaļnieks, and Janis Ikaunieks—have accumulated over 50 international caps. Despite their relative inexperience, young talents like 21-year-old Raimonds Krollis and 22-year-old captain Kristers Tobers inject vitality into the Latvian lineup.
Croatia vs Latvia Possible Starting Lineups
Croatia:
- Livakovic; Juranovic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Perisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Latvia:
- Purins; Savalnieks, Oss, Balodis, Dubra; Jaunzems, Saveljevs, Tobers, Cigankis; Uldrikis, Krollis
Croatia vs Latvia Match Prediction
In anticipation of this exciting clash, our prediction leans in favor of Croatia with a score of 3-1 against Latvia. Although Latvia has shown glimpses of scoring potential in their recent qualifiers, Croatia’s experience and overall strength make them the favorites to secure victory.
As the match unfolds, football enthusiasts can expect to witness a competitive battle on the pitch. Croatia’s proven track record and their formidable lineup suggest they have the upper hand. Nonetheless, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and Latvia may spring a surprise or two.
In conclusion, this Euro 2024 qualifier promises to deliver football action that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for what could be a memorable showdown between Croatia and Latvia as they vie for qualification to the prestigious tournament.
There is more different information on Germany betting exchange.