Croatia vs Poland Prediction & Betting Tips (8 September)

Reigning finalist of this Nations League following its penalty shootout loss against Spain in June 2023, Croatia intends to remain tough and not let the years gray it to continue to perform. It must be said that the Croatian core is starting to get old and that the young guard is struggling to expose themselves. During the week, on Benfica's pitch at the Estadio Da Luz, the Croats suffered the Portuguese strike force with a 2-1 defeat following in particular the 900th career goal of Mr Cristiano Ronaldo. It is still a 4th match without a victory for the Checkerboard which had not won a single match at the Euro in group B with two draws against Italy1-1 and Albania 2-2 without forget the spanking conceded against Spain during J1 3-0.

Already three steps behind Portugal and Poland, Modric's partners will have to quickly find a solution otherwise they will already be thinking about remaining in League A. There is another gentleman opposite, and he is Robert Lewandowski, elected man of the match during the week against Scotland in Glasgow with a penalty goal and an assist, the Barcelonan allowed his nation to come home with 3 points and take the lead in this pool 2-3. Great revenge for the Poles who, like Croatia, did not win a match during the group stage at the Euro, with two defeats against the Netherlands 1-2 and Austria 1-3 and a draw against France,/a>1-1. 

Michał Probierz's half-time speech after 🇵🇱 Poland was losing 0:1 to 🇲🇩 Moldova: 💬

"Gentlemen, there are people out there who believe in you. There is a coach who believes in you...

Now is the time that you believe in yourselves!"#POLMDApic.twitter.com/vj5zijjHml

— PSN Futbol (@PSN_Futbol) October 18, 2023

As we said, the Croatian group is getting old and we can also note the injury absences of boys like Erlic (Bologna), Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Juranovic (Union Berlin), the former Rennais Majer (now potential starter in this selection) as well as attacking midfielder Vlasic (Torino), affected at the Euro. In addition, the experienced midfielder Brozovic (Al Nassr) and the very experienced defender Vida retired internationally after Euro 2024. The old veteran, Luka Modric (Real Madrid, 179 caps) is still faithful to the position, he who would dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup before ending his international career. Ivan Perisic (33 goals in 135 caps) also responded to the call of his coach like Caleta-Car (Lyon), or the Osasuna striker, Ante Budimir (17 goals in La Liga the season last). Note the presence of Kovacic (Man City), Pasalic (Atalanta) and even that of Gvardiol (Man City). A page has been turned in Poland with the rather early retirement of goalkeeper Szczesny (ex-Juventus) and midfielder Grosicki (17 goals in 94 caps). We also note the absence of the former Marseille player, Milik (73 selections, 17 goals), injured before the Euro.

Already out of the European Championship this summer, the starting full-back Matty Cash (Aston Villa) was injured again recently and must withdraw, while the central Salamon, present at the Euro, was not called up for this back-to-school course. As announced above, the current top scorer in LaLiga with 4 goals, Robert Lewandowski (153 caps, 84 goals) was crucial during the first match in Scotland. Scorer from the penalty spot, the Barcelona player was injured and could miss this second meeting. Note that midfielder Szymanski (Fenerbahce) scored his 4th pawn in the selection during the week and winger Zalewski (AS Roma) scored the winning goal. Adam Buksa (ex-Lens, 7 goals in 18 caps) and Piatek (Basaksehir, 12 goals in 31 caps) were called up.