The match between Croatia and Poland will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, as part of the UEFA Nations League’s League A – Round 2. The game is scheduled to kick off at 18:45 GMT+0 and will be held at the Opus Arena in Osijek, which has a capacity of 13,005 spectators. The appointed referee for the match is Francois Letexier from France. This crucial football match is pivotal for both teams, as they aim to secure valuable points in their quest to progress in the Nations League.
Croatia, fresh off a defeat to Portugal in their opening game, will be seeking redemption, while Poland comes into the match after a dramatic last-minute victory over Scotland. The importance of this game cannot be overstated as both teams strive to assert their dominance in the group. Croatia’s coach, Zlatko Dalic, is under pressure to get results, and Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, will be looking to build on their success from the previous matchday.
Croatia vs Poland BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
In this section, we will explore key elements and insights to help you understand the dynamics of the upcoming match. Looking at the Croatia vs Poland prediction today, Croatia is under pressure after their loss to Portugal, and they will be motivated to bounce back. Meanwhile, Poland, boosted by their recent victory, will be keen to continue their winning momentum. Both teams are eager to collect points, but Croatia’s recent dip in form may play a significant role. Furthermore, the teams’ previous performances in the UEFA Nations League add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming battle.
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Croatia Results
Croatia has had a challenging run of form in recent matches, which will factor into their approach for this game. Below is an overview of their recent results:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
05.09.2024 | UNL | Portugal vs Croatia | 2-1 | L |
24.06.2024 | EUR | Croatia vs Italy | 1-1 | D |
19.06.2024 | EUR | Croatia vs Albania | 2-2 | D |
15.06.2024 | EUR | Spain vs Croatia | 3-0 | L |
08.06.2024 | FI | Portugal vs Croatia | 1-2 | W |
Croatia has struggled in their last five matches, with only one win against Portugal in a friendly. Their UEFA European Championship campaign ended without a win, and they have shown inconsistency in both attack and defense. The recent loss to Portugal in the Nations League further highlights their vulnerabilities, putting extra pressure on them to deliver against Poland.
Poland Results
Poland enters this match on the back of mixed performances, including some key victories. Here are their recent results:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
05.09.2024 | UNL | Scotland vs Poland | 2-3 | W |
25.06.2024 | EUR | France vs Poland | 1-1 | D |
21.06.2024 | EUR | Poland vs Austria | 1-3 | L |
16.06.2024 | EUR | Poland vs Netherlands | 1-2 | L |
10.06.2024 | FI | Poland vs Turkey | 2-1 | W |
Poland has shown resilience, with two wins in their last five matches. Their dramatic victory over Scotland in the UEFA Nations League, secured by a late penalty from Nicola Zalewski, gives them momentum. However, losses to Austria and the Netherlands during the Euro 2024 campaign show that consistency remains an issue.
Croatia vs Poland Head-to-Head Results
The two teams have faced each other several times over the years. Below is a summary of their previous encounters:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
16.06.2008 | EUR | Poland vs Croatia | 0-1 |
03.06.2006 | FI | Croatia vs Poland | 0-1 |
12.02.2003 | FI | Croatia vs Poland | 0-0 |
Croatia and Poland have had close encounters in the past. Croatia won the most recent competitive match between the two sides during Euro 2008. Overall, their head-to-head results are evenly balanced, with both teams having claimed victories, though recent matches suggest a low-scoring pattern.
Croatia Predicted Starting Lineup
For the upcoming match against Poland, Croatia is expected to field a balanced lineup with a mix of experienced players and younger talents. Zlatko Dalic will likely opt for a formation that allows control in midfield, with a solid defense backing up their attacking options.
Predicted lineup:
Livakovic (GK), Jakic (DF), Sutalo (DF), Gvardiol (DF), Sosa (DF), Modric (MF), Kovacic (MF), L. Sucic (MF), Pasalic (MF), Kramaric (FW), Ivanusec (FW)
Poland Predicted Starting Lineup
Poland, coming off a strong performance against Scotland, is expected to field a well-rounded team led by Robert Lewandowski. With key players like Szczesny and Milik absent, Poland will rely on Marcin Bulka in goal and a determined attacking lineup.
Predicted lineup:
Bulka (GK), Bednarek (DF), Dawidowicz (DF), Kiwior (DF), Frankowski (MF), Zielinski (MF), Szymanski (MF), Moder (MF), Zalewski (MF), Piatek (FW), Lewandowski (FW)
Croatia vs Poland: Unavailable Players
Both teams have key players unavailable for this match due to injuries, retirements, or fitness concerns. Below is a summary of the players who will miss the game, and the reasons behind their absence.
Player | Team | Reason for Absence |
Domagoj Vida | Croatia | Retired from international duty |
Marcelo Brozovic | Croatia | Retired from international duty |
Josip Stanisic | Croatia | Injured |
Martin Erlic | Croatia | Injured |
Duje Caleta-Car | Croatia | Fitness issues, uncertain status |
Kamil Grosicki | Poland | Retired from international duty |
Wojciech Szczesny | Poland | Retired from football |
Arkadiusz Milik | Poland | Injured |
Croatia has faced notable absences, with both Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic retiring from international football, significantly weakening their defense and midfield. Injuries to Josip Stanisic and Martin Erlic further complicate Croatia’s lineup options, while Duje Caleta-Car is still struggling with fitness but may feature. For Poland, the absence of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and forward Arkadiusz Milik due to retirement and injury, respectively, will force changes, particularly in goal where Marcin Bulka is expected to start.
Key Factors and Injuries
Several factors will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this match, including injuries, player form, and recent trends. Below are some key insights:
- Croatia is missing key defenders like Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic due to retirement and injuries, respectively;
- Duje Caleta-Car is returning to fitness and may feature in defense for Croatia;
- Luka Modric continues to lead Croatia despite being in the twilight of his career, and his form will be crucial for their success;
- Poland will be without goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has retired, and striker Arkadiusz Milik due to injury;
- Robert Lewandowski remains a key figure for Poland, while Krzysztof Piatek is expected to partner him in attack;
- Croatia is winless in their last four competitive matches;
- Poland secured a morale-boosting victory in their last game against Scotland;
- Croatia’s defense has been shaky, conceding in each of their last five matches;
- Poland has struggled with defensive consistency but has found goals in recent matches.
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Free Tips on Croatia vs Poland
When betting on the Croatia vs Poland match, it’s important to consider various factors that could impact the outcome. Below, we’ve gathered a few key tips based on team form, head-to-head statistics, and other important aspects of the game. These tips will help you make a more informed decision for your bet on this exciting UEFA Nations League clash.
- Team Form: Croatia enters this match without a win in their last four competitive games, while Poland comes in with momentum after a last-minute victory over Scotland. Considering recent form is crucial as it reflects the confidence and morale of both teams.
- Head-to-Head Statistics: Historically, matches between Croatia and Poland have been tight, often low-scoring affairs. Their last competitive meeting in 2008 ended in a 1-0 win for Croatia, so expect another close encounter.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Croatia will have the advantage of playing at home in Osijek. Teams often perform better in front of their home crowd, and the passionate Croatian fans could give their side the edge in this fixture.
- Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast for Osijek before placing your bet. Rain or adverse weather conditions can affect ball movement and make it harder for teams to play their usual style, potentially leading to fewer goals.
- Managerial Stability: Both teams have retained their head coaches despite underwhelming results at Euro 2024. Continuity in leadership can help a team perform better, especially in high-stakes games like this one.
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Croatia vs Poland Match Prediction 2024
The Croatia vs Poland odds suggest a tightly contested match, with both teams facing issues in their squads due to injuries and retirements. Croatia will be desperate to end their winless streak and gain their first points in this year’s UEFA Nations League campaign. However, Poland, with the confidence from their previous win over Scotland, will be no easy opponent.
Given the form of both teams, a 1-1 draw seems like the most likely outcome. Croatia’s reliance on their aging stars like Luka Modric may not be enough to break through Poland’s determined defense. Meanwhile, Poland’s attacking force, led by Robert Lewandowski, should be able to penetrate Croatia’s defense at least once. Both teams will be looking to avoid a defeat, which could result in a more cautious approach.
Our Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Poland
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
1X2 | Draw | 3.6 |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.89 |
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