Croatia vs North Macedonia Prediction: Team to Win, Form

As Croatia prepares to host North Macedonia for an international friendly, anticipation is high for this clash.

This article provides a comprehensive preview, covering predictions, team news, form, and potential lineups.

Match Preview

Croatia’s Aspirations

Croatia, the World Cup bronze medallists, are gearing up for Euro 2024 with this friendly in Rijeka.

The Croatian team, under Zlatko Dalic, is aiming to capitalize on their recent successes and finally secure a major international title.

Croatia’s golden generation, featuring stars like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, is determined to improve their European Championship record, having never progressed past the quarter-finals.

North Macedonia’s Challenge

North Macedonia, on the other hand, missed out on Euro 2024 qualification but is focusing on building a competitive team for future tournaments.

Head coach Blagoja Milevski is keen to develop a squad capable of making a mark in the next Nations League and World Cup qualifiers.

Despite holding England and Italy to draws in their qualifying group, North Macedonia couldn’t secure a spot in the finals, making this friendly crucial for their preparations.

Team News

Croatia

Croatia will be experimenting with their lineup in this friendly.

Zlatko Dalic has most of his experienced players available, though Torino forward Nikola Vlasic is sidelined with an adductor problem. Ivan Perisic, who recently returned from a serious knee injury, is expected to feature.

Key players such as Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Andrej Kramaric will likely be joined by emerging talents like Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia will be without their captain Enis Bardhi due to a shoulder injury.

The creative burden will fall on RB Leipzig’s Eljif Elmas and Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.

Of the 27 men initially selected, only one plays in the Macedonian domestic league, showcasing the squad’s reliance on internationally based players.

Recent Form

Croatia

Friendly Form: W…

Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/news/croatia-vs-north-macedonia-prediction/4942

Author : [email protected] (Jake Skudder)

Publish date : 2024-06-03 09:06:01

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.