Croatia look to build off a highly impressive run during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they made it all the way to the finals before falling short against France. This is a veteran team that still has players from that 2018 side, including midfielder Luka Modrić.
They come into this tournament as the second favorite in Group F, just behind Belgium. Croatia had a strong performance in UEFA qualifying, securing 23 of 30 points while conceding only four goals in 10 games as they topped a group that included Russia.
Croatia take on Canada in the second fixture of Group F, a squad that is making its second appearance in the World Cup and first since Mexico 1986. Canada had an incredible run during CONCACAF qualifying, tying for first with Mexico in what was a major achievement.
Can Croatia take care of business in a match that they’re expected to win? Or will Canada build off their strong qualifying and pull off the upset?
Let’s dive in to find the best bets for this Group F match between Croatia and Canada.
Croatia vs Canada Odds
- 3-way handicap: Croatia (-135) | Draw (+250) | Canada (+320)
- Draw No Bet: Croatia (-310) | Canada (+210)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+102) | Under 2.5 (-142)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (-102) | No (-126)
Croatia vs Canada odds are current as of 10:30 a.m. EST on Oct. 26th.
Croatia are reasonably priced favorites with odds that bake in the risk that Canada could be one of those pesky underdogs that we see in every World Cup tournament. The total is juiced to the Under, which makes sense considering how well Croatia has defended throughout qualifying.
I think there’s value on choosing Both Teams to Score because Canada plays a progressive style where they are trying to push forward and attack. This isn’t a team that is content with just sitting back and playing for a draw.
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Croatia vs Canada Prediction
Croatia 1-1 Canada
Despite the fact that this is only Canada’s second appearance at the tournament, this is not your typical newcomer on the global stage. Finishing first in a CONCACAF group that includes Mexico and U.S.A. is a notable achievement.
This is an emerging soccer nation with talents like wing-back Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and striker Jonathan David of Lille. The former is a key contributor of a Champions League contending team, while the latter is currently second in goals in Ligue 1, behind only Kylian Mbappé.
Davies is currently nursing a concussion at this time, so hopefully he’ll be able to suit up for this match. They’ll need him on the flank against an experienced Croatian team that comes into the tournament in strong form, having gone unbeaten in five straight matches.
Croatia has four wins during that span, knocking off Austria, Denmark (twice), and France. While this was in Nations League, it’s still encouraging for their chances at pulling off another World Cup run. On the other side, Canada has a 2-0 loss to Uruguay and 2-0 win over Qatar in recent friendlies.
While it’s clear that Croatia is the better side on paper, I think Canada will pose a challenge for the Balkan side. Look for a closely-contested match that ends in a draw.
Croatia vs Canada Betting Tips
Here are some betting tips for this Group F match between Croatia and Canada:
- Both teams won their respective groups during World Cup qualifying.
- Davies is currently dealing with a concussion but should be back in time.
- Croatia is a seasoned squad with impressive runs on the global stage, including a finals appearance in 2018.
- Canada is making their second appearance in the World Cup.
- Croatia only conceded four goals during qualifying, while Canada scored 23 goals in 14 games.
Croatia vs Canada Best Bets
Canada +1 (+100) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
I think that Canada can secure a point in this match, but it’s the safer play to go with them at +1 because if they lose by only one goal, I’ll be able to earn a push. This insulates my risk against an outcome where Canada plays well like I expect, but they still find a way to lose by one.
I’m confident that Canada will emerge as one of the surprise teams of the tournament with them at least putting up a strong effort against each of their Group F opponents.
Under 2.5 Goals (-142) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
This is a bet on Croatia defense, as they’ve consistently shown that they can make it difficult on opponents to break them down. They have only conceded four goals in their last eight matches, which encompasses both Nations League and World Cup qualifying.
While it’s a relatively expensive price, that extra half goal is huge because it’s tough to see three or more goals in this match.
