Betting tips for Croatia vs Wales: Euro 2024 qualifying preview and best odds
WALES kick-start their Euro 2024 qualification campaign against Croatia at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Saturday.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and sign-up bonuses for the showdown.
Croatia vs Wales enhanced prices
- Luka Modric to score and Croatia to win to nil -
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- Croatia to win both halves -
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- Aaron Ramsey anytime goalscorer -
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Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Croatia vs Wales betting tips
Wales embark upon a new era in Split this weekend.
Gareth Bale, who scored 41 goals in 111 international appearances, retired from football in January.
The record-breaking winger was a central figure in the most successful period in the history of Welsh football, and captained Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Midfielder Joe Allen, defender Chris Gunter and Jonny Williams are also out of the picture having stepped down from international duty last month.
There is, however, some continuity with Aaron Ramsey replacing Bale as captain and Tottenham's Ben Davies stepping into the vice-captain role.
Page has selected four uncapped players as Wales begin their European Championship qualifying campaign with a daunting trip to face World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.
Jordan James, Nathan Broadhead, Luke Harris and Oli Cooper could win their first caps but Page could stick to his tried and tested against FIFA's seventh-ranked side.
Croatia, meanwhile, just keep defying expectations.
Zlatko Dalic's side reached the round of 16 in the 2016 and 2020 Euros, the World Cup final in 2018 and came third in Qatar.
Goals? Unlikely…
Don't expect this one to trouble the scoreboard too often -- neither side could be described as free-scoring.
Wales have not won in eight games since they qualified for the World Cup, losing six of their last eight in all competitions.
The Dragons managed just a singe goal in Qatar, and that was courtesy of Gareth Bale from the penalty spot. In fact, they managed seven efforts on target throughout the whole competition.
Croatia weren't too much better having played out two goalless draws in the group stages, and eight of their last 13 matches have seen under 2.5 goals scored.
Little doubt…
The result itself appears in little doubt with Croatia expected to kick-off their campaign with victory.
As mentioned, Wales are on a rotten winless run that stretches back to June 2022 and they've never never beaten Croatia in six previous meetings (D2 L4).
Along with the retirees, Wales are without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and stalwart Ben Davies, while forward Brennan Johnson requires further assessment.
Croatia have virtually a full complement to choose from, including 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric.
They also boast an outrageous record in the Euros, having never lost a qualifying match on home soil in 35 matches (W27, D8). That paired with an anticipated lack of goals makes a low-scoring Croatia victory the selection.
Caution: Rambo…
This clash always throws up bookings.
In fact, 14 cautions were dished out in the last two meetings between Croatia and Wales in 2019 Euro qualification.
And it could be a similar story this weekend with new captain Aaron Ramsey desperate to fill the boots of Gareth Bale.
The midfielder is expected to lay down a marker and lead from the front, and that could see him add to his tally of 11 yellows in 78 appearances for Wales.
Referee Joao Pinheiro will officiate the clash and averages over five cards per match having dished out 136 in 26 games this season.
- Our tip: Aaron Ramsey to be booked
Croatia vs Wales odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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