2018 FIFA World Cup: European Play-off Predictions

#2 Croatia vs Greece

Croatia have flattered to deceive. But can their real self finally show up?

The fixture looks tilted in favour of the Croats, but a closer analysis their qualification campaign will propose second thoughts. Grouped alongside the likes of Iceland, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland and Kosovo, The Blazers were expected to comfortably seal the top spot and achieve automatic qualification for Russia next year. Instead they ended up finishing two points behind a high-flying Iceland side.

Greece are the final hurdle standing in their way and they've caused an upset of their own by consigning Bosnia and Herzegovina to third, the side everyone expected to go through the group behind leaders Belgium.

With a solitary defeat in ten qualifying rounds - a 2-1 loss at home to the blistering Belgium - the former European champions have shown the grit and gall to withstand the tests they were put through. And one can be certain that the Sky Blue-White aren't going to make it any easier for Croatia either.

Verdict - We can expect Greece to fight tooth and nail again and put Croatia under the cosh on occasions, but the latter's quality will likely settle the tie.

Predicted score: Croatia 4-2 Greece (on aggregate)

Key players: Croatia - Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic; Greece - Konstantinos Mitroglou, Vasilis Torosidis