UEFA Nations League: Can Poland Keep Croatia Winless?

Croatia vs Poland

An intriguing match-up awaits on Matchday 2 of the Nations League as Croatia take on Poland at the Opus Arena in Osijek.

Coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Croatia are looking to regroup and bring a first competitive win of the year after failing to register a victory at the recently concluded European championships.

The Vatreni are currently without some key players because of injuries, namely: Josip Stanisic, Lovro Majer and Martin Erlic. In other Nations League 2024 news, Marcelo Brozovic and Domagoj Vida have called it quits on their international career right after they were knocked out at the Euros.

Still, the 2018 World Cup silver medallists will continue to have Luka Modric at the helm, along with veterans Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric.

Meanwhile, Poland are happy campers after escaping Hampden Park with a win last time out. The Polish contingent went two goals up on Scotland after goals from Sebastian Szymanski and Robert Lewandowski. Scotland are never one to surrender, however, as they clawed the deficit back courtesy of Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay.

But with eight minutes of added time, there’s a high chance of finding a winner, and it was indeed found in the form of a penalty awarded to the Poles.

Defender Grant Hanley brought down Nicola Zalewski in the penalty area, and the same player scored to give Poland the victory at the death.

Will Poland extend their winning run on Monday? Or can Croatia finally break through? Allow SBOTOP to help you find out.

Talking Points

Croatia’s struggles

Zlatko Dalic’s side are in the midst of a difficult time. They bowed out of the Euros with no wins. Well, had their fortunes just changed a bit, then they may have advanced to the last 16 after all.

Following a disasterclass against Spain, the Vatreni were close to getting a first win against underdogs Albania; they surrendered an early goal and were down for the duration of the match. Then, all of a sudden, they found themselves in the lead.

Andrej Kramaric scored in the 74^th minute, whilst a 76^th-minute own goal from Klaus Gjasula meant that Croatia are now in the driver’s seat. But the same person who helped Croatia go ahead was also the same man who salvaged the point for Albania in the fifth minute of added time.

Against Italy, Luka Modric gave Croatia the lead in the 55^th minute, as Croatia did well enough to keep their lead for 90 minutes. But then again, an extended period of added time changed the outcome.

Nine minutes were added to the clock, and on the eighth minute, Mattia Zaccagni scored the equaliser, which meant Croatia were sent packing.

Despite their exit—and a few other players retiring—Dalic and co. remained hopeful in the Nations League, where they finished as runners-up to Spain last time around.

In their Nations League curtain raiser, they fancied their chances against a Portugal side that also fell short of their Euros aspirations. Instead, they were met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic goal and an early strike from Diogo Dalot—who also turned it into his own net in the 41^st minute.

Lewandowski’s injury scare

Robert Lewandowski started his Barcelona season on a tear, and he continued it in Poland’s win over Scotland. The 36-year-old striker had already registered a goal and an assist to his name and was most likely planning to see the game through.

However, he was taken off in the 72^nd minute, and it was revealed the he did in fact feel something odd.

“I felt discomfort and then there was some pain. I realised that if I took a risk today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow it could be much worse,” he said.

Still, it seems likely that Lewy will feature against Croatia.

History

Croatia and Poland have only met five times in the past, with their last meeting held way back in 2008. Overall, Croatia have won three times to Poland’s one, whilst the other match ended in a draw.

Betting Tip

The Nations League 2024 odds back Croatia as winners (1.77), whilst Poland are the noticeable underdogs (4.17). Despite playing the upcoming match at home, Croatia haven’t shown up well so far, but the odds like their chances as the better team nonetheless.

In the event of a draw, a price of 3.38 is offered, whilst correctly predicting a goalless affair is on a whopping 10.50.

For my money, I’m pretty sure that at least a couple goals will be scored between the two sides.

 

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