Croatia vs Slovakia: Croatia look to take a lead at the top of the table in Group H when they host Slovakia in their next World Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday.
Match Details:
Teams: Croatia vs Slovakia
Venue: Stadion Gradski vrt, Osijek, Croatia
Date: Tuesday 12th October, 2021
Time: 12:15 AM IST
Live Link: https://www.sonyliv.com/
❤️🔥 #Vatreni, sretno večeras! / Best of luck tonight! 🇭🇷🇸🇰#BeProud #CROSVK #WCQ #Croatia pic.twitter.com/ANxNoKBDHP
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 11, 2021
Preview
Croatia head into this after a 3-0 win over Cyprus in their previous match, which ensured a hat-trick of wins in successive matches.
Perisic, Gvardiol and Livaja found the back of the net to keep Croatia at the top of the group standings with 16 points.
On the other hand, Slovakia was beaten 1-0 by Russia last time out and need to get back to winning ways here.
Skriniar’s own goal made the difference as Slovakia’s chances of qualification took a dent.
This keeps them in 4th place with 9 points from 7 matches.
The hosts could make it 4 wins in 4 matches since their goalless draw against Russia in September if they claim the three points here.
Hence, this is a massive clash with plenty at stake.
Both sides met last time in the qualifying stage in September where Croatia won 1-0 away through Brozovic’s effort 4 minutes from time.
Form Guide
Croatia: LDWWW
Slovakia: LDLWL
Last Matches of both teams:
Cyprus 0-3 Croatia
Russia 1-0 Slovakia
💯 percent at practice! 💪#BeProud #WCQ #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/16GgPKDJdX
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 10, 2021
Where to watch the live stream and broadcast of Croatia vs Slovakia in India?
The match is live streamed on the Sony LIV App, Jio TV.
Team News
Juranovic and Lovren are injured and ruled out of the qualifiers while Kovacic is suspended.
Lobotka remains out for the visitors due to a hamstring injury while Weiss’ muscle injury keeps him out as well.
Croatia possible 11:
Livakovic, Stanisic, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Pasalic, Vlasic, Kramaric and Perisic
Slovakia possible 11:
Rodak, Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Hancko, Hamsik, Kucka, Schranz, Duda, Rusnak and Strelec
Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Slovakia
We expect the hosts to gain another three points in their race towards qualification as they pose a more formidable squad and are in better form.
Slovakia’s inconsistent performances has them in the centre of the group being neither here nor there.
They need to play out of their skins to do well here but we do not see them getting the job done.
