Croatia vs Greece - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

Published on: 09/11/2017

Croatia vs Greece - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

November 09, 2017 19:45pm - Stadion Maksimir

World Cup Qualification - Playoffs

Despite starting their World Cup qualifying campaign as group favourites, Croatia ultimately fell short finishing two points adrift of Group I winners Iceland. To be fair it was tough group, with Ukraine, Finland and Turkey also involved but after their strong performance at Euro 2016 which included a win over Spain, expectations were high for the Croatians.

Once again, they will start as favourites here but they will need to be at their best to penetrate the tough Greece defence. Their overall record at home is good with no defeats and 13 clean sheets in their last 19 matches in all competitions. As a result, they will be confident of taking a lead into the tricky second leg.

Meanwhile, Greece had to fend off the challenge of Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to claim second place in Group I behind runaway leaders Belgium. They won their last two groups games against Cyprus and Gibraltar but drew four out of five prior to that.

They only conceded six goals throughout their qualifying campaign, the same as group winners Belgium. However, they remain a little toothless up front, having scored just 17 in their 10 qualifying matches, 26 less than Belgium.

Recent form (All competitions)

Croatia: LDLWL

Greece: WWLDD

Betting odds and tips

With Croatia so good at home and Greece lacking a real goal threat, the win to nil with a low goal count looks like a likely outcome here. A tight first half can also be expected and it should be noted that the half-time draw has paid out in each of Croatia`s last five qualifying matches.

You can back the Croatia win to nil at 5/6, Under 2.5 Goals at 8/15 and Half Time/Draw at 11/10 - all with Bet365.

By Neil Morris