Welsh hopes rest on the mammoth task of Croatia
Ryan Giggs’ Wales welcome Group E leaders and World Cup finalists Croatia to the Cardiff City Stadium in their uphill battle in qualification for the European Championships. To which they played brilliantly to reach the semi finals at in 2016, a heroic performance is needed from Gareth Bale and co as a loss in this one could have disastrous repercussions. This is effectively the Dragonsgame in hand on the three teams above them in the group standings, they are as follows; Hungary in third with nine points from six games, Slovakia second with 10 points from six outings and then Croatia top of the pile on 13 points.
A feast of quality on show
Croatia’s most disappointing result of the campaign to date was their 2-1 defeat in Hungary, they were able to put that to bed however on Thursday night thanks to strikes from 2018 Ballon D’Or winner Luka Modric and in form Dinamo Zagreb forward Bruno Petkovic, the latter being their top scorer in qualification with three goals. Zlatko Dalic also boasts a wealth of quality in midfield areas, arguably the best midfield in international football.
Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic holds it all together at the base of the middle trio with his tough tackling and composure on the ball, allowing Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakiticto strut their stuff and combine with Ivan Perisic and AC Milan’s Ante Rebic. It will be the toughest test of young Ethan Ampadu’s career in containing them, likely lining up alongside Joe Allen in defensive midfield.
Giggs should call on the youthful exuberance of Daniel James and Harry Wilson in this one and go for the jugular with defence being by far Croatia’s worst area. The former supplied the assist for Kieffer Moore’s opener in Slovakia on Thursday evening and the latter was an impact substitute who has enjoyed an excellent start to the Premier League season on loan at Bournemouthfrom Champions League winners Liverpool, with three goals from seven appearances.
More? Yes, Gareth Bale will be in action and his country desperately need him to step up to the plate on Sunday, he usually does when called upon. Bale has started well with Real Madrid this season despite a summer of intense speculation and has 32 goals for Wales since debuting way back in May 2006.
This encounter needs no billing, it is a hugey and we should see some moments of sheer class. Expect a spine-tingling atmosphere in the Welsh capital with Giggs’ urging his team on to make a success of his first qualifying campaign as manager.
Wales – Croatia Betting Tip
Over 2.5 goals with Ladbrokes at odds of 6/5.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Only one shot on goal in the second half compared to four in the first saw this game fizzle out with both sides happy with a point. 1-1.