Croatia vs Iceland Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Croatia had a bit of a disappointing end to Euro 2016 after impressing in the group stages. They beat Spain to top their group after a win over Turkey and a draw against Czech Republic, but despite all their talents a drab knockout match against Portugal ended in an extra time defeat to the eventual winners.

They have bounced back as you would expect though. Their incredibly talented midfield have been chipping in with goals as they drew at home to Turkey before hammering Kosovo and beating Finland away from home.

It’s undeniable that Croatia’s midfield is world class, but there have been doubts cast over their striking options. Mario Mandzukic laid the doubters to rest with a hat trick against Kosovo and the winner against Finland though, so backing him to score anytime could be a profitable option.

This seven point haul leaves Croatia top of the group on goal difference, but Iceland are proving they weren’t a one trick pony after an incredible summer. They have beaten Finland and Turkey after drawing their opener with Ukraine to leave them close to the top spot in a difficult group. It’s definitely not out of the question that the minnows will defy all the odds again and make it to Russia in 2018.

It’s hardly surprising that they are still in good form after such a confidence boosting Euro 2016. They made it through the group stages, which in itself was a shock considering the nation’s tiny size. Beating England in the knockout rounds was an even bigger shock, and their thrilling 5-2 defeat to France is nothing to be ashamed of.

However, Croatia have won 13 of their last 15 home games and haven’t lost any of them, so it’s going to take a huge performance from the visitors if they want to go top of the group.

Iceland, on the other hand, have lost seven of their last ten on the road and conceded a disappointing 21 goals in the process. It seems their excellent defensive organisation stays back in Reykjavik. They have managed to score in all but one of these games though.

Croatia have netted a huge 35 times in their last nine home games as well, including a 10-0 mauling of San Marino in June. This excellent attacking form at home plus Iceland’s poor defence and decent attack on the road make a high scoring game a likelihood here. I still think Croatia will win it though, so I’m backing Croatia to Win and Over 2.5 Goals at 13/10 along with a 3-1 correct score prediction at 12/1.