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Kick-off: Wednesday, 23 March @17:00 GMT
Venue: Stadion Gradski vrt (Osijek)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Croatia vs Israel 3-1 (2011, Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Israel vs Croatia 1-2 (2010, Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Croatia vs Israel 1-0 (2007, Euro 2008 qualifiers)
Israel vs Croatia 3-4 (2006, Euro 2008 qualifiers)
Israel vs Croatia 3-3 (2005, Friendly International)
Croatia vs Israel betting tip
Croatia will be looking to extend their winning run to four matches when they take on their old rivals Israel in Wednesday’s international friendly. The Blue and White are after their first ever win over the Vatreni and it remains to be seen if they are capable of upsetting the Croats in Osijek.
Fine performance in first warm-up game
Despite the fact that coach Ante Cacic could not count on several first-team regulars for the friendly game against Russia, Croatia did well to beat the Eastern European giants in their first warm-up game for the Euro 2021 finals. The Croats have big ambitions for the tournament in France, but it has to be noted that they have been handed a very tough draw. Ante Cacic’s troops will face the likes of Czech Republic, Spain and Turkey in the “Group of Death”, meaning that they will have to be at their sharpest if they are to record a good result at the European Championship finals. Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Real Madrid starlet Luka Modric will be the men to watch in the home team and the duo is likely to pose a big threat for the opposition back line.
Josip Pivaric and Marko Pjaca both miss the game with injury, while Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic both return to contention after missing the Russia game. Fiorentina ace Nikola Kalinic, who is enjoying a season to remember, is pushing for a start.
Israel still without a coach
Despite kicking off their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign in style, Israel eventually failed to book their place at the European Championship finals. The Israeli finished their campaign in 4th place in Group B and they now begin preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Eli Gutman left the Israeli national team five months ago, but the FA has yet to find an adequate replacement for the experienced tactician. Many candidates will be considered in days to come and it remains to be seen who will be announced at the team’s new coach. Anyhow, Israeli players will give 100% to spoil Croatia’s party at Stadion Gradski vrt in Wednesday’s friendly game. The good news for the fans is that experienced midfielder Yossi Benayoun has earned Israel recall for the Croatia game and all eyes will be on him when the two sides take on each other in Osijek.
Tal Ben Haim has been left out of the squad, but Yossi Benayoun and Kenny Sayef have been recalled. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team.
Quick Facts
- Israel are after their first ever win over Croatia
- Croatia are on a nine-game unbeaten run at home
- Vatreni managed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last seven home fixtures
- Israel are on a three-match winless run on the road
- Croatia scored ten goals in previous four meetings with Israel
Croatia vs Israel betting tip
Croatia are superior to Israel, but Ante Cacic’s troops will have to prove their worth on the field. The Croats are a real force to be reckoned with at home and given that the Blue and White often struggle on the travels, I am tempted to put my money on Luka Modric and Co, who are eager to prepare in the best possible way for the Euro 2021 finals.
Tip: Croatia/Croatia
Odds: 2.00 (1/1) @BetVictor
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