Group D play continues on Friday, with group leaders the Czech Republic remaining in Glasgow and welcoming Croatia on June 18. Coming off the high of a World Cup final appearance in 2018, Croatia fell to England 1-0 in their opening match of the Euros and rarely looked threatening.
Can the Czech Republic ride the high of their first win and push Croatia to the brink? Keep reading for our Croatia vs. Czech Republic tips and predictions.
Game info
• Location: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, TSN 1/3
Croatia vs Czech Republic betting tips
- Draw (+230)
- Under 2.5 (-150)
Read on for complete analysis
Croatia vs Czech Republic match odds
Croatia: +115
Czech Republic: +250
Draw: +230
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: +120
Under 2.5: -150
Odds as of June 17, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Odds analysis
By Patrick EversonThis match has a relatively close moneyline, but you wouldn't know it by the action at BetMGM Nevada. As of 11 a.m. ET, an hour before the match, Croatia is a +115 favorite, Czech Republic a +240 underdog and Draw +225. "We're heavy on Croatia. Ticket count is about 8/1, and money is even more lopsided," BetMGM Nevada's Randy Madayag said. The total of 2.5 (Under -145) is not drawing much interest, but it's mostly on the Over.
Croatia vs Czech Republic betting preview
Weather
It's expected to be a calm, warm day in Glasgow on Friday, with humidity around 50 percent and temperatures expected around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key injuries
Croatia: No injuries to report.
Czech Republic: No injuries to report.
Matchup
| Croatia | Czech Republic | |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | World Ranking | 40 |
| 0 | Goals For | 2 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 1-0 loss vs. England | Previous Game | 2-0 vs. Scotland |
| Luka Modric | Player to Watch | Vladimir Coufal |
Croatia vs Czech Republic predictions
Moneyline pick
Croatia will be looking to revive their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic, after a pedestrian showing against England in their first match of the tournament. While the 2018 World Cup finalists lost just 1-0, the scoreline flatters a Croatia side that was never in the game. A talented midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic were hounded out of the game by England's superior midfield, a massive departure from the two teams' semifinal in Russia, during which Croatia's midfield completely dominated.
Up top, Ante Rebic and Andrej Kramaric were completely starved of service, while England's wise tactical setup saw tricky winger Ivan Perisic suffocated anytime he received the ball. As a result, their attack came up with no quality chances, as they ended with an xG of just 0.37.
While Croatia began their Euros with a whimper, the Czech Republic began theirs with an absolute bang, a 2-0 victory over hosts Scotland, with the goal of the tournament — Patrik Schick's ridiculous hit from halfway — serving as the exclamation point. While the Czech Republic did well to convert their gifted chance just before halftime, and put in a few moments of great last-ditch defending, they hardly dominated.
Both Croatia and the Czech Republic are solid sides with a healthy dose of tournament experience, but lack high-level threats in attack (Schick's all-time goal notwithstanding). A draw for the Czech Republic would put them in an excellent position ahead of their final, and most challenging, group game against England. Similarly, for Croatia, a point before they take on group underdogs Scotland would be plenty to keep them positioned to progress.
PREDICTION: Draw (+230)
Over/Under pick
The Czech Republic head into matchday two with a group lead over England, thanks to their 2-0 victory against Scotland. While they (really, Schick), did well to take their chances, those chances were gifted by Scotland. The first chance of the game, a good strike by Tomas Soucek, came directly after a turnover from Scotland's best midfielder, John McGinn. Their goal, just before halftime, came after Scotland couldn't properly clear a corner. Then, of course, there was the glorious second goal — not exactly a replicable goal.
It is, then, not a surprise that the Czech Republic finished with an xG of 0.91. For Croatia, who finished with one of the lowest expected goals of the opening matches, the priority must be to get Modric to return to form and not look nearly as old as he did against England. Modric could certainly find his form, and he can unlock a defense in a flash with his ridiculous passing rage.
Perisic, however, could continue to struggle as he did against England. While the Czech Republic won't repeat England's tactical shift, they can count on Vladimir Coufal to defend him one-on-one. Though Scotland's xG ended up above two, the Czech Republic's backline performed quite well, with Ondrej Celustka especially outstanding.
Barring more Schick magic, count on the Under here.
PREDICTION: Under 2.5 (-150)
Picks made on 6/17/2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Euro 2020 betting sites
As a signature tournament for the most popular sport in the world, almost every online sportsbook and betting site will offer odds for Euro 2020. Check out the best soccer betting sites available where you live.
