Croatia’s midfield is as good as anyone’s in the tournament. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic play for Spain’s big two – Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively – as do promising youngsters Mateo Kovačić and Alen Halilovic. Those excellent midfielders provide steady service for experienced striker Mario Mandzukic. He was one of the six leading scorers in Euro 2012 with three goals, and is a sneaky +2,800 to lead the tournament again.
Croatia are expected to be the biggest challengers to Spain, and that combination is priced at +130 to be the top two in Group D.
Team Weaknesses:
Defense is the glaring hole in Croatia’s otherwise impressive team. Dejan Lovren’s falling out with manager Ante Čačić means Croatia will be without one of their top two central defenders. Meanwhile, full-backs Darijo Srna and Daniel Pranjic are both 34 years old, and their aging legs could be susceptible to speed in the tournament.
This will also be Croatia’s first major tournament in this millennium without legendary goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa between the sticks, so the pressure will be on the inexperienced Danijel Subašić to perform on the big stage.
Team Stats (During Euro Qualifiers):
Category
Stat
Goals Scored Per Game
2
Goals Conceded Per Game
0.5
Goal Attempts Per Game
14.7
Pass Completion Percentage
89%
Ball Possession Percentage
58%
Starting Lineup:
Position
Name (Age)
Career Caps
Goals
Goalie
Danijel Subašić (31)
19
0
Defender
Darijo Srna (34)
129
21
Defender
Vedran Corluka (30)
87
4
Defender
Domagoj Vida (27)
36
1
Defender
Danijel Pranjić (34)
58
1
Midfielder
Luka Modrić (30)
89
10
Midfielder
Ivan Rakitić (28)
75
10
Midfielder
Ivan Perišić (27)
45
12
Midfielder
Mateo Kovačić (22)
26
1
Midfielder
Marcelo Brozović (23)
16
4
Forward
Mario Mandžukić (29)
65
21
Writer’s Prediction
Croatia finish as runners-up to Spain in Group D and qualify for a quarterfinal berth in France.
