EURO 2024 Qualifiers: Croatia vs Wales: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Vaterni will host Cymru at Stadion Poljud for a EURO Qualifier on Saturday.

Croatia's participation in the 2022 World Cup was remarkable, having made it to the semifinals where they lost to Argentina with a score of 3-0. Nonetheless, they managed to secure a 2-1 win against Morocco in the third-place match, culminating the competition on a high note.

After their disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, Wales failed to secure a victory in any of their eight subsequent matches across all competitions. In their most recent World Cup game, they suffered a 3-0 defeat against England and finished at the bottom of their group. Furthermore, they were also defeated by Iran with a score of 2-0 during the group stage of the tournament.

Kick-off:

Saturday, 25-03-2023; 7:45 pm (GMT)

Sunday, 26-03-2023; 1:15 am (IST)

Croatia form (all competition): W-L-W-W-D

Wales form (all competition): L-L-D-L-L

Players to watch

Croatia: Luka Modric

Modric cannot be excluded from the game as he, once again, had a stellar performance in the World Cup as the captain of the Croatian team. His impressive leadership and game play led his team to a third-place finish. Despite being 37 years old, he continues to be a vital player for his country and will be looking to maintain his outstanding form in the Euro qualifiers.

Wales: Aaron Ramsey

Following Gareth Bale's retirement post-World Cup, Ramsey has been named as the captain of his country. He will lead the team in the Euro Qualifiers and play a crucial role as the team's playmaker. Ramsey's ability to penetrate the box and create opportunities for his teammates makes his contribution vital to his country's success.

Match facts

• Wales have never beaten Croatia in six previous meetings (D2 L4), with their most recent encounter a 1-1 draw in a Euro 2020 qualifier in October 2019.
• Croatia have won their last three home matches against Wales, beating them in May 2010 (2-0, friendly), October 2012 (2-0, World Cup qualifier) and June 2019 (2-1, Euro qualifier).
• Wales are winless in eight games in all competitions (D2 L6) since a 1-0 win over Ukraine in June 2022.

Injury and Team News

No modifications were made by the Croats in comparison to the World Cup, as all of their crucial players, including Modric, have been summoned for the upcoming event.

With the retirement of key players such as Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, and defender Ben Davies suffering from an injury, Wales will have to do without their services. Aaron Ramsey will take on the role of captain in the midfield.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches - 6

Croatia - 4

Wales - 0

Draws - 2

Croatia predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Livakovic; Juranovic, Suatalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Modric, Kramaric; Livaja

Wales predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Hennessey; Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Roberts; Morrell, Ampadu; Wilson, Ramsey, James; Johnson

Match Prediction

Wales has been struggling since the World Cup, whereas Croatia is on a good run of form, and their squad strength gives them an added advantage. As a result, it is expected that Croatia will win the game comfortably.

Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Wales

Telecast

India - Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network

UK- S4C, Viaplay Sports

USA – Fubo TV

Nigeria - beIN Sports