It’s a huge match in Group L of the World Cup qualifiers as second-placed Czech Republic face group leaders Croatia. The Czechs are hoping to take back control at the top, but they’re up against a Croatian team in excellent form.
Even though the Czech Republic have a six-point lead over third place, qualifying for their first World Cup since 2006 won’t be easy. A defeat here would most likely mean they’ll have to go through the play-offs. Ivan Hašek’s team have reason to be hopeful though, they’ve only lost one of their last 11 matches, winning seven and drawing three. However, that one defeat was a heavy 5-1 loss to Croatia, which shows just how difficult this challenge will be. On the bright side, they’ve won both of their home qualifiers so far in this campaign.
Croatia, ranked 10th in the world by FIFA, make the short trip north with four wins from four games in this qualifying group. They’ve been dominant, scoring 17 goals and letting in just one. Away from home, they’ve scored eight without reply. Their excellent form means they’re unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup qualifiers, with 11 wins and two draws. They’ve kept clean sheets in 10 of those games, and having reached the semi-finals in the last two World Cups, it’s no surprise they’re seen as favourites to win again.
Croatia have never lost to the Czech Republic in their five previous meetings, with two wins and three draws. This will be the sixth time the two managers face each other, with Croatia boss Zlatko Dalić winning the last three matches against Ivan Hašek.
Recent stats give more insight into both teams. The Czech Republic have scored before the 30th minute in six of their last seven games, and only one of their last 12 matches was level at half-time. Croatia, meanwhile, have won three of their four qualifiers by four goals or more. However, they’ve only managed to win two of their last nine away games in all competitions.
For the Czech Republic, much could depend on Václav Černý, who has been directly involved in four goals across their last three qualifying wins. Croatia will rely on Andrej Kramarić, who has scored six goals in four qualifiers and played a key part in the 5-1 win against the Czechs earlier in the group.
The Czech Republic are missing some key players, including Patrik Schick, due to injury. Croatia have a nearly full squad to pick from, with just a couple of minor doubts.
