World Cup 2022: Croatia Begin Long Journey Back to the Top

World Cup 2022: Croatia Begin Long Journey Back to the Top

Slovenia vs Croatia

Croatia begin their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign away from home as they take on Balkan neighbours Slovenia at the Stozice Sports Park in Ljubljana.

The Croatians, who were beaten finalists in the previous World Cup, are not quite the force they once were back in 2018, especially with many of the stars from that team either gone or ageing.

But star midfielder Luka Modric is still playing at a high level, and the World Cup 2022 betting odds will have them significantly favoured to start their qualifying campaign with three points against a Slovenia side that has a couple of big names but not much else.

Talking Points

Slovenia need star duo to shine

Slovenia will not be taking part in the upcoming Euro 2020 after a disappointing qualifying campaign where they won four of 10 games, with four defeats.

However, they did look much better in their most recent UEFA Nations League campaign as they won Group C3 to earn promotion to League B. They went undefeated in six games, with four wins and two draws.

Haris Vuckic emerged during that Nations League run as he led the team with four goals. Although, Vuckic will not enter the World Cup qualifiers in the best of form; he has not scored a single goal since moving to Spanish Segunda Division side Real Zaragoza last year.

Josip Ilicic, who plays for Serie A side Atalanta, is still Slovenia’s star man up front, though. The 33-year-old has scored six goals in 27 appearances for Atalanta this season. He also scored four of his 10 career goals for his country during Euro 2020 qualifying.

And on the other end of the pitch, captain Jan Oblak continues to be one of the best goalkeepers around. The 28-year-old is having another fine season with La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid and has conceded just 18 goals in 28 league games.

Much-changed Croatia still have star man Modric

Croatia are a much-changed side from the one which went all the way to the final of World Cup 2018. Key players such as Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, and Vedran Corluka have since retired from international football.

The Croatians are also coming off a disappointing Nations League campaign where they won just one game in six and just avoided relegation to League B.

However, Luka Modric is still suiting up for his country, and even at age 35, he is still playing at an incredibly high level. Modric was instrumental in helping Real knock out Ilicic’s Atalanta in the Champions League round of 16.

Even with Rakitic’s retirement, though, Croatia still possess a lot of talent in midfield with Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, and Nikola Vlasic. Ivan Perisic is also still around providing creativity on the wing.

There is similarly ample experience that remains at the back with the partnership of Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida at the heart of the Croatian defence.

Croatia don’t have quite as much depth in attack, and Milan forward Ante Rebic’s absence due to injury will be a significant blow. But they do still have a striker in Andrej Kramaric who is capable of producing some World Cup 2022 highlights. The 29-year-old has 19 goals in 27 games for German side Hoffenheim this season and has 14 goals in 50 international caps.

History

This will be the 10th meeting all-time between Slovenia and Croatia. Croatia have dominated their Balkan neighbours, going unbeaten in their previous nine meetings (six wins, three draws).

They last met in a friendly in 2008. Croatia came from behind twice as they came out 3-2 winners thanks to a brace from Ivan Rakitic.

They also met for World Cup qualifiers back in 1997. After drawing 3-3 in Split, Croatia ran out 3-1 winners in Ljubljana. The Croatians have won all five of their away matches at Slovenia.

Betting Tip

1X2 Croatia @ 1.86

Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have Croatia installed as significant 1.86 favourites to pick up the away win over Slovenia, who are priced at 4.60 to pull off an upset. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.25.

It is clear that Croatia have the superior side of the two Balkan countries. Modric is still in fine form, and he has sufficient support around him. On the other side, Ilicic does not have much quality surrounding him, and even he has not been in quite the best form of late.

That is why I expect Croatia to maintain their perfect record in Slovenia and start their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign with a comfortable win over their neighbours.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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