Gibraltar started the World Cup qualifiers with two consecutive losses, conceding a total of seven goals in those matches. Their last home game ended in a heavy defeat - 0:4 against the Czech Republic. This result highlights their serious difficulties in defense against stronger opponents. However, they will hope for a more dignified performance against the group favorite.
Croatia with ambitions for a convincing startCroatia begins their participation in the qualifiers with this match, after being eliminated by France in the quarterfinals of the Nations League with an overall result of 2:3. Nevertheless, they have remained undefeated in five of their last seven matches, including against strong European opponents. In their only meeting with Gibraltar so far - a friendly in 2015 - Croatia won 4:0.
Prediction: Gibraltar +4.5 goalsCroatia is expected to impose control and win convincingly, but the hosts will try to avoid another crushing defeat. Despite their poor form, such a handicap provides good protection against a too heavy result.
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