ChristyeLedbetter153
Outright Odds: 66/1
Party F Winners: 6/1
Croatia enter their third consecutive finals and will look for a of the heroics of 1998 rather than the discomfort of 2002. They topped an arduous qualifying party which included Bulgaria and Hungary and remained unbeaten over 10 suits which included house and away victories over fellow qualifiers Sweden.
Under manager Zlatko Kranjcar Croatia really are a different team to how neutrals may remember them from their 1998 uses which saw them reach the semi-final. Gone are style people such as for instance Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki and former Golden Boot Davor Suker. They have been replaced by more practical people including the Kovac brothers, Marko Babic and Dado Prso.
Like other qualifiers Serbia & Montenegro, Croatias success stemmed from the powerful defence where they kept six clean sheets in 10 games and conceded just five objectives in the act.
Yet another strength is really a number of the present Croatia team are based in the Bundesliga, with Josip Simunic and Niko Kovac at Hertha Berlin, Babic based at Bayer Leverkusen and Ivan Klasnic developed to Werder Bremen.
France have discovered a skill in midfielder Dario Srna who is promoting a talent for scoring important objectives. Both goals were scored by the Shakhtar Donetsk player in the two 1-0 wins over Sweden in the fits of the group.
Crucial striker Dado Prso scored five aims in qualifying, his countrys shared top scorer with Srna. He burst into prominence when he netted four objectives for Monaco in the 8-3 Champions League knocking of Deportivo Manhunter Coruna. He made his international debut seven weeks prior to the match but has since become an automatic selection in attack.
Croatia have gone about their business quietly and confidently and despite their unbeaten diploma initiatives, will remain unfancied by many to create any impact in the finals. That will suit them fine as former coach Mirko Jozic attributed the strain on the class of 1998 for the dismal failure of the 2002 team which saw them lose 1-0 to Ecuador within their final match.
Eventually, they face favourites Brazil in their opening match so won't need certainly to worry about facing the reigning champions in an emergency group decider. If they can take anything from that game they'll be in pole position to reaching the second round.
Proposed Bet
Despite the apparent strength of the class, Croatia tend to be more than effective at qualifying as a result given their recent showings in qualifying for the finals. With certainly one of the defences in Europe and a host of players plying their trade in Germany they're a sound guess to follow Brazil in to the final 16.
Croatia to qualify from Group F @ 5/6 custom jetta tail lights
