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Wales are set to play Croatia at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday in the qualification round of the UEFA Euro qualifiers.
Wales come into this game on the back of a 4-0 win over Gibraltar in their most recent game. Goals from Tottenham Hotspur left-back Ben Davies and Ipswich Town attacker Nathan Broadhead and a brace from Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore secured the win for Wales.
Croatia, on the other hand, lost 1-0 to Turkey in their most recent game. A first-half goal from Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz sealed the deal for Turkey.
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Wales vs Croatia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- In seven head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Croatia have won four games and drawn three.
- Welsh winger Daniel James has managed four goal contributions in seven league starts for Leeds United this season.
- Welsh striker Tom Bradshaw has managed two goal contributions in five league starts for Millwall this season.
- Croatian striker Petar Musa has four goal contributions in five league starts for Benfica this season.
- Croatian attacker Dion Drena Beljo has managed two goals in three league starts for Augsburg this season.
Wales vs Croatia Prediction
Wales have not included Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson in the squad. Regular features of the squad in recent years like Gareth Bale, Jonny Williams and Joe Allen have all retired, and Wales will now have to rely on a new generation of talent to build on the progress the previous one made.
This includes the likes of Joe Rodon, David Brooks, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James. Younger talents like Dylan Levitt, Charlie Savage and Neco Williams have also been included in the squad. The biggest miss will be Bale, of course. The 34-year-old retired from the game as arguably the greatest Welsh football player of all time.
Croatia, on the other hand, need no introduction. They quietly continue to excel on the international stage, regularly reaching the latter stages of tournament football. Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric continues to be a part of the squad even at the age of 38; but with his importance at club level now dwindling, it will be interesting to see what role he plays for the national side.
One big concern for Croatia will be the serious injury suffered by Ivan Perisic. Perisic is regarded as one of the greatest Croatian players of all time and continues to play an important role in the squad. However, the 34-year-old suffered a long-term injury, and it will be some time before Tottenham Hotspur and Croatia benefit from his talents.
Croatia should win here.
Prediction: Wales 0-1 Croatia
Wales vs Croatia Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Croatia to win
Tip 2: Game to have over / under 2.5 goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Croatia to keep a clean sheet - Yes
