World Cup Preview - Croatia v England
Thursday 12/07/2018 - 4am
Odds: England $2.30, Croatia $3.40
Croatia and England will meet in Moscow on Thursday morning with two desperate fan bases looking to keep their World Cup dreams alive. England fans have waited since 1966 for the chance to reach the Final, when they last won the World Cup as well. Croatia haven't played in a World Cup final before with their best effort coming in 1998 as they reached the Semi-final.
Croatian fans haven't had an easy path to this game with two straight penalty shootouts. But their side has held their nerve in both. Against Denmark, both sides had a goal on the board after the 5th minute and the end result would be a 1-1 draw. In penalties, Croatia got over the line with 3 strikes to 2. In the next round, they would face a very tough ask against the host nation Russia. With both sides locked at 1-1 after regular time, they headed to extra-time. Croatia looked home with a '101 minute goal to Vida but Russia's never say die attitude saw the game go to a penalty shootout. Croatia again held their nerve and advanced to the next round against England.
After finishing the 2014 World Cup without a victory, England made wholesale changes to turn around their fortunes for this World Cup campaign. So far, it has paid dividends for Gareth Southgate. They cruised through the Qualifing stage this time around and met the dangerous Columbians in the Knockout stage. Harry Kane gave England the lead in the 57th minute but a late goal would see this game go to extra time and then a penalty shoout. England won 4-3 and moved onto the next stage. They met Sweden in Samara and dominated the game on their way to a 2-0 win.
Head to Head
England have dominated Croatia in recent times. In qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, England scored a total of 9 goals to 2 in their 2 games against Croatia. Previously, Croatia beat them twice in qualifiying for the 2008 Euro Cup. However, this World Cup should see a close encounter between two in-form sides.
2009 - England 5, Croatia 1
2008 - England 4, Croatia 1
2007 - Croatia 3, England 2
2006 - Croatia 2, England 0
2004 - England 4, Croatia 2
Players to Watch
Harry Kane is obviously the most important piece in the puzzle for England. He's the top goalscorer at the World Cup so far with 6 goals. However, he was held goalless in the 2-0 win over Sweden. So, he'll be keen to find the back of the net again and lead his Country into the final.
Jordan Pickford has been in everything for England as he's been defending the back of the net like a machine. This will likely be his toughest challenge as he faces a dangerous Croatian attack. But his form at the moment should see him up to the task.
Having saved Croatia in back to back penalty shooutouts, Danijel Subasic has been huge for his Country. However, he picked up a hamstring injury against Russia and will likely be in doubt for this clash. Which would be a cruel blow for Croatia. They will need him against an England side that has been very dangerous in set piece situations.
The Croatian skipper Luka Modrić will be looking to keep his Country's World Cup dreams alive and he'll be a key factor against England. He's earned 3 man of the match awards already and is the key in their attacking moves.
Prediction
This is another tough matchup to pick with England just favourites in the betting. But Croatia is a dangerous team when they get on a roll. So I can see a high scoring affair and the over total goals getting up. In 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two sides, the over total goals has saluted. England have been strong in defence during the tournament but they haven't really faced a good attacking team like Croatia. So I believe their defence will be tested in this matchup. Meanwhile, Croatia has conceded a goal in 3 straight games and will face an even tougher task against the likes of Harry Kane and co.
