In 2018, Croatia almost pulled off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The Croatians beat England in the WC Semifinals to make it to the finals. By the time Croatia played France in the title match, though, the underdogs were gassed. The French easily handled Croatia 4-2, but Croatia proved that it’s a player on soccer’s world stage. Will Croatia follow up their fantastic 2018 with another knockout stage World Cup run? Check out current FIFA World Cup Odds on Croatia to win the title along with an analysis of their chances to make it to the Round of 16.
Croatia Soccer Betting Analysis and their 2022 FIFA World Cup Odds
2022 Qatar World Cup
- When: Nov. 21 – Dec. 18
Croatia Odds to Win World Cup Will Move On to the Next Round
- Croatia +5000
Just because a team offers high odds it doesn’t mean the team is an overlay. This is true for every sport. Croatia offers +5000 odds to win the World Cup.
That doesn’t mean they’re a decent play to take the WC. Yes, Croatia made it to the finals in the last World Cup, but this season, they’re not nearly as formidable.
First, they play in a sneaky deep group. Belgium is the chalk to win Group F. Canada is one of the best teams in CONCACAF. Second, Croatia’s best player, Luka Modric, is 36.
Don’t get us wrong, the team has quality, but like everyone that isn’t part of the eight nations that have won the WC, Croatia must break the cycle of World Cup winners. Can this team do it?
Based on the draw and their roster, no. But if you want to back a team to upset France, England, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany, Croatia might be the best play. The Croatians certainly have as much of a shot as Uruguay and Denmark. So the +5000 odds are fair.
Why Croatia will move to the next round
Although beating Belgium will be tough, Croatia should have no trouble versus Canada and Morocco. Neither of the Croatians’ Group F rivals send as many UEFA league players to the pitch as Croatia.
Modric continues to provide Champions League Finals participant Real Madrid with quality minutes. Ivan Perisic remains a key player for Inter Milan, Josko Gvardiol steps onto the pitch for RB Leipzig, and Mateo Kovacic plays for Chelsea. Croatia has enough international club talent to make it to the next round.
Why Croatia won’t move to the next round
Up until the final couple of FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches, Canada dominated CONCACAF. The Canadians are a much better team than World Cup handicappers give them credit for being.
If Croatia isn’t at their best, and they might not be because UEFA League play starts on August 5 and club players could be tired by November, the Canadians can knock out Croatia during the group stage.
Final Analysis – Croatia will finish second to Belgium in Group F
Canada is a quality soccer team, no doubt, but Croatia has a good mix of veteran players like Modric and Perisic and young players like Gvardiol and Kovacic to move past the Canadians.
Beating the Belgians and taking Group F won’t be easy. But taking down Morocco and Canada shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. So at the end of group play, Croatia will finish second and move to the knockout stage.