Croatia vs Scotland Prediction

The second International break of Europe’s domestic club season will see Croatia take on a reformed Scotland in Group 1 of the UEFA Nations League A tier.

In a group containing Portugal and Poland, who play each other on the same day, Croatia are clear favorites to finish as the runner-up in the group, and they will not be unduly worried about relegation from the top tier of European football.

However, Scotland find themselves in just such a situation, after losing their opening two games by a single goal to Poland and Portugal respectively. As a big game for both sides approaches, here is everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• This is the first competitive meeting between the two nations since Euro 2020, in which Luke Modric and Ivan Perisic helped Croatia to a 3-1 win.
• Despite losing to Poland 3-2 during the last international break, it was just the second time this year that Scotland had scored multiple goals in a game.
• Despite this, Scotland are winless in their last eight competitive matches, and their only win since September 2023 was a 2-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar.
• Croatia are currently ranked 12th in the world, their lowest official placing since October of 2022.

Croatia Preview

Croatia Predicted Lineup (5-3-1-1): Dominic Livakovic (GK); Borna Sosa, Josko Gvardiol, Marin Pongracic, Josip Sutalo, Kristijan Jakic; Martin Baturina, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic; Luke Modric; Andrej Kramaric.

Zlatko Dalic’s side have hit the buffers recently. Croatia only has one win in five games, and this was in their most recent fixture as Luka Modric scored the only goal of the game against Poland.

Knocked out of Euro 2024 in the group stage after conceding a heart-breaking added time equalizer against Italy, it seems Croatia are not the same force that reached the semi finals or better of the previous 3 major tournaments, and this may be down to their somewhat aging “golden generation”.

However, they still have an immensely talented side, and with new young star’s slowly breaking into the international set-up, they will certainly be a side that noone wants to be drawn against in tournament football.

Scotland Preview

Scotland predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Craig Gordon (GK); Andy Robertson, Ryan Porteous, Grant Hanley, Anthony Ralston; Kenny McClean, Billy Gilmour; Ryan Gauld, Scott McTominay, Ben Doak; Chey Adams.

Despite losing their first two games in this year's Nations League, Scotland have had silver linings to provide optimism. They showed superb intent against Poland, and were unfortunate to not come away with a point or more, and showed their defensive solidity against Portugal in a game that should have seen them ship more goals.

There is one significant downside to Steve Clarke’s selected squad that the Scots need to be aware of though. The lack of Aston Villa’s John McGinn means they are missing a significant combative presence in midfield.

However, they receive a boost at the back with the return of former number one Craig Gordon, who has come out of international retirement to pose as competition in goal for Angus Gunn. At 41 years of age, he has a wealth of experience to draw on, and with his shot stopping form in goal for Hearts this season, there is a big chance he returns to the starting lineup against Croatia.

Croatia vs Scotland Head to Head

Recent meetings:

• 22/06/2021: Croatia 3-1 Scotland.
• 15/10/2013: Scotland 2-0 Croatia.
• 07/06/2013: Croatia 0-1 Scotland.

Croatia vs Scotland Betting Tip

Scotland have been given a tough group after their promotion from the second tier of the Nations League in 2022. Being drawn alongside Croatia and Portugal is tough enough, and to have the underestimated quality of Poland in the group makes the task of staying up even tougher.

Croatia looks set to be a step too far for Scotland here. A team of their quality should be winning this one in straightforward fashion which is why we are backing a Croatia victory here.

Croatia vs Scotland Final Prediction

Croatia 2-0 Scotland

Scotland may have cleaned up their performances since their humiliating Euro 2024 campaign, and they will consider themselves unfortunate to have no points at this stage, but a game away to Croatia is a game very few teams go into expecting to win.

Scotland will have opportunities, but Croatia will be clinical, and will punish any errors made by the Scots.