Croatia - Odds to Win 2014 FIFA World Cup

Croatia had a tough time qualifying for World Cup and they may be without one of their best players for at least two matches in Brazil. FW Mario Mandzukic faces a possible two-match suspension because of a red card in the last match of qualifying. That will hurt with him being the best striker. While the Croats have a good team they will be playing in an unfamiliar hot and humid climate in Brazil.

Real Madrid MF Luka Modric leads the squad and is a great playmaker, but they have concerns on both offense and defense. Even though they have to face host Brazil they are not in the toughest group with Mexico and Cameron and they have high hopes this summer after missing out playing in South Africa.

Croatia Odds to win World Cup 2014: +15000
Croatia Odds to win Group A: +600

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How They Advanced:

Not easily. Croatia was in one of the weaker European qualifying groups, but finished second in their group well behind Belgium. They headed in to the European qualifying ties as the club with the lowest points total of all second place teams and they were luckier than lucky to draw Iceland. They beat Iceland 2-0 on aggregate after the 2-0 win in Zagreb after an uninspiring 0-0 draw in Reykjavik.

They finished qualifying with a whimper winless in their last four matches before the tie with Iceland. They only scored four goals in their last six qualifying matches and two of those came against Iceland at home in their last one.

Early Prediction:

The issues on both sides of the pitch that Croatia has and their lack of form suggest an early exit from Brazil. Also, Cameroon, Mexico, and Brazil will not be phased by the weather being in their climate. Still, the Croatians will have a good showing in Brazil and they will beat Cameroon and Mexico and advance to the last 16. They will not advance further though playing either Holland or Spain.

Qualifying Results:

12/10/12 Macedonia FYR 1 – 2 Croatia             
16/10/12 Croatia 2 – 0 Wales       
22/03/13 Croatia 2 – 0 Serbia                  
26/03/13 Wales 1 – 2 Croatia                   
07/06/13 Croatia 0 – 1 Scotland  
06/09/13 Serbia 1 – 1 Croatia                  
11/10/13 Croatia 1 – 2 Belgium               
15/10/13 Scotland 2 – 0 Croatia              
15/11/13 Iceland 0 – 0 Croatia                 
19/11/13 Croatia 2 – 0 Iceland

Croatia Key Players

Luka Modric MF Real Madrid – The Real Madrid playmaker is THE key player for the Croats.

Mario Mandzukic FW Bayern Munich – He may serve a two-match suspension, but the 2012 Euro joint top goal scorer is the best attacking threat the squad has.

Ivan Rakitic MF Sevilla – He will team up with Modric to give Croatia a solid midfield.

Past World Cup Results:

2010 Did not qualify
2006 Did not advance out of group stage
2002 Did not advance out of group stage

Croatia World Cup Schedule:

12/06/14 Brazil vs. Croatia - Arena Corinthians           
18/06/14 Cameroon vs. Croatia - Arena Amazonia     
23/06/14Croatia vs. Mexico - Arena Pernambuco

Croatia World Cup Roster