football | Friday, March 24, 2023 11:13 AM

Croatia vs Wales Bet Builder Tips: 2.00 Builder for Wales’ First Match Post-Bale

Tom Winch

Croatia vs Wales Bet Builder Tips: Saturday, March 25th

Euro qualification is underway, here at bettingexpert Expert Insights we have taken a closer look at the game in Split with a bet builder approach in the preview below.

In this article:

Croatia vs Wales Preview
Croatia vs Wales Stats & Facts
Croatia vs Wales Bet Builder

Croatia vs Wales Preview

European Championship Qualifier, Saturday, March 25th, 19:45 (UK)

Croatia impressed in Qatar. They finished 3rd at the World Cup after reaching the final in Russia 2018. Despite a handful of key players in the latter stages of their careers, they still looked like a threat but ultimately came up short against the eventual champions.

Luka Modric was a joy to watch in the middle of the park alongside Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic. Dominik Livakovic impressed between the sticks whilst Josko Gvardiol looked like a real talent on the biggest of stages.

Wales had a disappointing tournament, to say the least, they scored just a single goal which came from the penalty spot with six going in at the other end. Their star man, Gareth Bale announced his retirement shortly after their campaign. Bale will be a huge miss, he carried the nation on his shoulders on numerous occasions.

It’s difficult to see Wales perform as well as they have done in recent years. With Bale out of the question, there’s a real lack of quality throughout the squad. Brennan Johnson may well be the next key man for the Welsh, he has huge boots to fill that’s for sure.

These nations met twice in 2019, Croatia won in Osijek with a 1-1 draw coming in the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium. It’s tough to see Wales getting a result on their travels, Zlatko Dalic’s side will dominate possession and certainly have the quality to break down Rob Page’s men.

Croatia vs Wales Stats & Facts

Croatia have conceded fewer than two goals in seven of their nine previous home matches.
Wales have failed to win any of their previous eight matches.
Croatia have never lost a home Euro qualifying match (27-8-0) WDL.
Wales have lost three of their previous 20 Euro qualifiers.

Croatia vs Wales Bet Builder

I’m happy to back the hosts here, they have greater quality and experience in comparison to their opponents. They’re best priced at 1.61 to record a victory which seems reasonable enough.

Although I’m expecting a home win, I don’t see this being a thriller. Wales will be expected to sit deep and frustrate for as long as possible. A goalless opening 45 has every chance here with Croatia making the breakthrough after the break.

Wales conceded five of their six goals in the second half in Qatar which saw the proposed selection bank in two from three matches. They conceded after the break in five of their six Nations League matches which saw this bet land on four occasions.

Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson and Tom Bradshaw are the three main forwards in the Welsh squad, the latter two have had strong seasons in their own right but will have limited chances here, you’d expect.

Experience and class should show here, Croatia will want to kickstart their campaign with all three points in Group D.