Croatia is set for a pivotal clash against Latvia in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, aiming to bounce back after consecutive losses and secure a crucial win in Riga.
Match Preview:
Croatia faces pressure after recent defeats to Turkey and Wales, pushing them down to third place in Group D.
Zlatko Dalic’s side is eyeing a resurgence to secure their spot in next summer’s European Championship finals.
Despite trailing Turkey at the top, Croatia remains hopeful for automatic qualification or a backup via the playoffs, thanks to their UEFA Nations League performance.
Their opponents, Latvia, experienced their first victory in the qualifiers against Armenia but are stranded at the bottom of the table. Their chances to advance are slim, having lost convincingly to Croatia previously.
Latvia aims to conclude their campaign positively, hosting Croatia before a friendly against Poland and looking ahead to the World Cup qualifying rounds.
Team News:
Croatia faces absences, with Ivan Perisic sidelined due to injury and Mateo Kovacic uncertain. However, Andrej Kramaric and Luka Ivanusec return to bolster their squad.
Latvia welcomes back Marcis Oss but will miss Eduards Emsis due to suspension. The team will rely on Raivis Jurkovskis and Kriss Karkliņs to fortify their defense.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Latvia:(4-2-3-1)
Ozols;
Savalnieks, Balodis, Dubra, Sorokins;
Tobers, Savaljevs;
Jaunzems, J. Ikaunieks, Daskevics;
Uldrikis
Croatia:(4-3-3)
Livakovic;
Stanisic, Sutalo, Vida, Gvardiol;
Modric, Brozovic, Majer;
Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Prediction:
Croatia is expected to dominate with a 3-0 victory against Latvia. Eager to reclaim their form, Croatia’s superiority might reflect in the scoreline.