The Opus Arena in Osijek, Croatia, can hold 13,005 people, and the highly awaited match between Croatia and the Czech Republic will take place there on June 9, 2025, at 18:45 local time. This important football match is part of the UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group L. Spanish referee Jesus Manzano will be in charge, which will bring an experienced eye to this important game.
Croatia is favored to win because they just thrashed Gibraltar 7-0, and the Czech Republic is in first place in Group L with three victories from three matches. This match could decide who leads the group, which would be a big event in the qualification campaign for both countries.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This section prepares you for a deep dive into the Croatia vs Czech Republic prediction today, focusing on recent performances and historical encounters. Both sides are playing very well right now. Croatia is showing off its aggressive skills, and the Czech Republic has a great record of not losing. Croatia has a tiny edge in head-to-head matches, which sets the stage for a close match. We want to give you useful information for this important Group L match by looking at recent outcomes, how key players did, and how teams played. These things will affect the prediction for the Croatia vs. Czech Republic game today.
Croatia Results
Croatia has had a mixed bag of results in their last few games, with some good ones and some bad ones. Their 7-0 triumph over Gibraltar in the World Cup qualifying shows how good they are at attacking. But their performance in the UEFA Nations League has been uneven, with losses to tough teams like France.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 06/06/25 | WC | Gibraltar vs Croatia | 0-7 | W |
| 23/03/25 | UNL | France vs Croatia | 3-0 | L |
| 20/03/25 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 2-0 | W |
| 18/11/24 | UNL | Croatia vs Portugal | 1-1 | D |
| 15/11/24 | UNL | Scotland vs Croatia | 1-0 | L |
Croatia’s 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar demonstrates their ability to dominate weaker opponents, with Ante Budimir leading the line effectively. However, their struggles against top-tier teams like France expose vulnerabilities in defense. The draw against Portugal shows resilience, but the loss to Scotland indicates inconsistency on the road. Luka Modric’s influence in midfield remains crucial, and their home advantage at Opus Arena could be a deciding factor. Overall, Croatia’s form suggests they are formidable at home but need to shore up defensive stability.
Czech Republic Results
Czech Republic is in great shape for this encounter; they haven’t lost in their last eight games in all competitions. They have won three straight World Cup qualifying matches, which is perfect. They are a tough opponent because of this momentum and their aggressive play, which is led by Patrik Schick.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 06/06/25 | WC | Czech Republic vs Montenegro | 2-0 | W |
| 25/03/25 | WC | Gibraltar vs Czech Republic | 0-4 | W |
| 22/03/25 | WC | Czech Republic vs Faroe Islands | 2-1 | W |
| 19/11/24 | UNL | Czech Republic vs Georgia | 2-1 | W |
| 16/11/24 | UNL | Albania vs Czech Republic | 0-0 | D |
Czech Republic’s perfect record in Group L showcases their consistency and attacking threat, with Schick scoring four goals in three qualifiers. Their ability to secure narrow victories, like against Faroe Islands, highlights tactical discipline. The draw against Albania shows defensive solidity, though it suggests they can be held by organized teams. Their recent form indicates confidence, but facing Croatia’s quality at home will test their unbeaten run. The Czechs’ balanced approach makes them dangerous, especially on the counter.
Croatia vs Czech Republic Head-to-Head Results
Croatia and the Czech Republic have had a lot of close games in the past, with no one team winning all of them. In their last three matches, they have each won once and drawn twice. Based on this history, the match is anticipated to be close, with goals on both sides.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 18/06/21 | EUR | Croatia vs Czech Republic | 1-1 |
| 17/06/16 | EUR | Czech Republic vs Croatia | 2-2 |
| 09/02/11 | FI | Croatia vs Czech Republic | 4-2 |
There are only three head-to-head encounters, therefore the table shows these. Croatia has a tiny lead because they have never lost to the Czech Republic (one victory, two ties). The fact that both teams scored at least three goals in each game shows that they both wanted to attack. But the fact that recent competitive matches have ended in ties shows that neither team can easily beat the other. This pattern backs up the idea that the game will be close and full of goals.
Predicted Football Lineups for Croatia vs Czech Republic
Here are the likely starting lineups for the football game between Croatia and the Czech Republic. The choices are based on recent games, how well the players are doing, and the tactical setups shown in the data.
Croatia Predicted Lineup: Livakovic (GK), Stanisic (DF), Caleta-Car (DF), Sutalo (DF), Gvardiol (DF), Modric (MF), Majer (MF), Baturina (MF), Pasalic (MF), Perisic (MF), Budimir (FW)
Czech Republic Predicted Lineup: Kovar (GK), Coufal (DF), Holes (DF), Krejci (DF), Zeleny (DF), Soucek (MF), Cerv (MF), Cerny (MF), Sulc (MF), Provod (MF), Schick (FW)
Unavailable Players
Doubts and injuries can have a big effect on how well a team plays. Based on the information given, the table below shows players who are sure or probable to miss the game. Croatia has no serious injuries, while the Czech Republic is unsure about a crucial player.
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
| Czech Republic | Adam Hlozek | Doubt | Injury (substituted after 28 minutes vs Montenegro) |
If Hlozek is not available, the Czech Republic’s offensive options may be weaker, and Lukas Provod will probably take his place. Croatia has a minor edge in terms of depth and versatility because all of its players are healthy.
Key Factors to Watch
This part talks about important things that could affect the outcome of the match between Croatia and the Czech Republic. This is a high-stakes game because both teams are in a good position to win Group L. We find the most important things to keep an eye on by focusing on form, injuries, and tactical subtleties.
- Croatia’s home field advantage: Croatia has always done well at home, so playing at Opus Arena in front of 13,005 supporters could help them;
- The Czech Republic has not lost a game in a row: Their eight-game unbeaten streak, which includes three wins in the qualifying rounds, shows that they are quite confident and know how to play the game well;
- Luka Modric’s Impact: Croatia’s assault will depend on the veteran midfielder’s ability to manage the game and make chances;
- Patrik Schick’s Scoring Form: Schick is the Czech Republic’s biggest threat because he has scored four goals in three qualifiers and might take advantage of mistakes in defense;
- Croatia’s Defensive Weaknesses: Recent losses to France and Scotland show that they might not be able to handle teams with strong attacks;
- Czech Republic’s Counter-Attacking Threat: They scored against Montenegro and the Faroe Islands, which shows that they do well in transition;
- Impact of the Referee: Jesus Manzano’s style of officiating could change the game, especially if he gives cards that throw off the team’s rhythm;
- Fatigue Factor: Croatia’s busy schedule in the Nations League lately may have made their legs tired, whereas the Czech Republic seems fresher.
Free Tips on Croatia vs Czech Republic
This section offers strategic betting tips for the Croatia vs Czech Republic match, tailored to maximize your understanding of the game’s dynamics. Drawing from team form, historical data, and tactical insights, these tips focus on unique factors to guide your decisions. Each tip is crafted to provide a clear edge for this specific World Cup qualifying clash.
- Consider Both Teams to Score: The head-to-head history shows goals in every recent meeting, and with Schick and Budimir in form, expect both sides to find the net.
- Look at Total Goals Over 2.5: Past Croatia vs Czech Republic matches averaged three goals, and Croatia’s 7-0 rout of Gibraltar suggests an open, attacking game.
- Focus on Croatia’s First-Half Performance: Croatia often start strongly at home, as seen in their Nations League win over France, making a first-half goal likely.
- Evaluate Corners Over 8.5: Both teams’ attacking styles, with wingers like Perisic and Cerny, could lead to frequent set-piece opportunities.
- Monitor Schick’s Goalscoring Potential: Schick’s four goals in three qualifiers make him a strong candidate to score, especially if Croatia’s defense falters.
- Check for Early Cards: With a high-stakes match and referee Manzano’s oversight, early bookings are possible if tactical fouls disrupt play.
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Croatia vs Czech Republic Prediction 2025
Croatia and Czech Republic are set to deliver a tightly contested match that could shape Group L’s outcome. Croatia’s home advantage and quality, led by Luka Modric and Ante Budimir, make them slight favorites. However, Czech Republic’s unbeaten streak and Patrik Schick’s lethal form ensure they won’t be pushovers. The Croatia vs Czech Republic odds reflect a close encounter, with Croatia’s historical edge (unbeaten in their last three meetings) giving them a slight advantage. Their 7-0 win over Gibraltar shows how good their offense is, but their defense has problems against France and Scotland. The Czech Republic’s disciplined style, as they showed in their 2-0 win against Montenegro, shows that they can take advantage of changes. The fact that both sides have had high-scoring draws in the past suggests that both teams will score, but Croatia’s home form and Modric’s creativity should give them the edge. We think Croatia will win by a close 2-1 margin since they have more experience in major games and home support than the Czech Republic has. The Croatia vs Czech Republic odds for a home win offer value, given Croatia’s quality and motivation to close the gap on Group L’s leaders.
Our Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Czech Republic
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Croatia Win | 1.8 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.84 |
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