Czech Rep. – Croatia

Czech Republic and Croatia will square off in Group D of the Euro 2016, with the two sides coming after opposite results in the first round.

The Czech side played a very good match on the defensive end against Spain, which was a bit surprising considering the fact that the Czech Republic wasn`t known to be too solid at the back. Still, they defended very well and Spain didn`t really have great chances to score. Unfortunately for Czech Republic (who won a qualifying group with Iceland, Netherlands and Turkey), they were denied a draw by an 87th minute Pique goal.

Croatia’s opening game was a solid 1-0 win over Turkey, a match in which the Croatians showed their pragmatics and tactical consistency, as well as their top individual quality – as the goal came via a Modric wonder strike. Croatia lost just once in the previous 14 games, even though the level of football was sometimes a tiny bit below expectations. It wasn`t the case against Turkey, as it was a good win for Modric and company.

Bet on Czech Rep – Croatia and claim your 200% (100€) exclusive bonus at Ohmbet!

Team news & lineups:

Dockal (Czech Republic) is the only questionable player for today’s game, but his injury doesn`t seem serious enough to force him out of the starting lineup. Croatia’s Darijo Srna had an unfortunate family tragety, as his father passed away, but most reports have him starting the game.

I believe Czech Republic can snatch a draw here. They are a good side and played well in the opening match, while Croatia wouldn`t be too bothered with a tied game, it would virtually qualify them for the next round.

Czech Republic: Cech – Gebre Selassie, Sivok, Suchy, Limbersky – Plasil, Darida – Dockal, Rosicky, Krejci – Lafata

Croatia: Subasic – Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic – Badelj, Modric – Brozovic, Rakitic, Perisic – Mandzukic

I`m sure the Croatians will win it if given the chance – but I`m not sure they will be given that chance, though. The Czech are a good, experienced team and if they repeat the defensive performance they put on against Spain, Croatia would need another individual moment of magic to win.

My tip is a draw on the Croatia no win market. I expect a draw here, but I will secure my bet in case Croatia eventually wins. There doesn`t seem to be much risk involved with this bet – it looks unlikely for Czech Republic to pull off the upset against a stronger team with plenty of world class talent and which is famous for rarely losing. For this reason, I will invest high stakes on my prediction.

The under also looks good, but odds are low, so I`m sticking with Draw – Croatia win no bet here. Prediction: Czech Republic – Croatia 0-0.

Pick: Draw – Croatia win no bet
Odds: 1.62 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.58
Event date: 17 June