Croatia vs. Scotland 2024 Nations League Odds, Time, and Prediction

Croatia are second in the ground, with one win and one loss, and a score difference of 2:2. In 2024 (and even before), their biggest concern has been scoring goals. They scored more than one goal in just one game this year. However, we think it’s going to be a different story on Saturday, October 12, when they welcome Scotland at Stadion Maksimir in their capital.

There are several reasons for that, starting with the fact that Croatia’s strikers have been blasting goals for their clubs in the last couple of weeks. Further, these guys love playing on their turf. Finally, Scotland are 0-0-2 with a 3:5 score difference, and on top of everything, will be without their first-choice goalie.

Croatia vs. Scotland Odds

271 players claimed the offer this month

50% up to $1000

bet now

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Maksimir in Zagreb, Croatia
• Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: Fox Sports USA

Croatia’s Chance to Improve Their Numbers

Croatia’s odds to win on October 12 are -170, which isn’t too short. The probable reason is that the Blazers haven’t been too impressive since the start of the 2024 UEFA Nations League. However, that’s because they played against mighty Portugal on the road (lost 2:1) and defensive-minded Poland at home (won 1:0).

The game with Poland was a home game for Croatia, but it wasn’t played in the capital. Instead, the game took place at Opus Arena in one of this country’s easternmost cities, Osijek. The venue has a capacity of just about 13,000, which is almost three times less than Maksimir, where the Croatia vs. Scotland game will be played.

If you take a look at the Croatia vs. Scotland odds, you’ll also notice that “over 2.5” is -108, while “under” is currently -112. The reason for this is that neither team has been scoring a lot in this competition. However, we think that will change on Saturday, at least in Croatia’s case.

The thing is that coach Zlatko Dalic is taking big guns with him to Maksimir. Practically the best bunch of players that Croatia has will be there on Saturday. This includes legendary Luka Modric, who’s this team’s only scorer in the current Nations League campaign; the other goal was an own goal by one of the opposition players. 

Croatia’s strikers haven’t scored yet in this competition, but they’ve been playing great for their clubs. Ante Budimir scored three goals in the last two games he played for Osasuna. Andrej Kramaric made two assists in his last two games for Hoffenheim. Igor Matanovic made one assist and scored one goal in his last two games for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Things Aren’t Looking Great for Scotland

Scotland’s three best players are Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), and Scott McTominay (Napoli). Other than them, no other Scottish player can be called elite. These guys surely can give war to Croatia, but the problem is that their defense might be too soft for such a hard opponent.

We expect that Scotland’s two center-backs in Saturday’s game will be Grant Hanley (Norwich) and Ryan Porteous (Watford). While they’re good for English Championship standards, they’re likely to struggle against Croatia’s elite-level strikers.

As if that wasn’t bad enough for the fans of the Tartan Army, they’re going to be without their first-choice goalkeeper. Angus Gunn, who played both Nations League games for Scotland so far, is out with an injury.

Coach Steve Clarke made a surprising decision to give a call-up to 41-year-old veteran Craig Gordon. He’s playing for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, but he’s been dreadful lately, conceding 9 goals in his last five games.

Jon McCracken (Dundee FC) is an alternative, but this guy has been in poor form as well. He allowed 11 goals in his last five games.

Croatia vs. Scotland Prediction

Anything but a big win for Croatia over Scotland would be a huge surprise. We think they’re going to start strong and score at least a goal or two in the first 45 minutes. That said, we should see “over 2.5” easily.

Pick: Croatia & Over 2.5 Goals