Croatia starts their preparations for the summer’s rescheduled for the Euro 2020. An international friendly starts the campaign against Armenia at Gradski Stadion on Tuesday, with kickoff at 7 pm.
The visitors enter into the clash on the back of a five winning streak, but they are not competing for an international glory search at the European championship this summer.
Croatia was seen as favorites to breeze past through Group E to make the Euros. However, it took a different turn as the Croatians forced to pick 17 points from the available 24 points. As a result, the side finished three points above second-placed Wales.
Moreover, Zlatko Dalic’s side had a forgetful start to the Nations League campaign last time out. However, there is still hope for the road to Qatar 2020 with three wins in the bag. The surprise defeat to 1-0 Slovenia came before wins over Cyprus and Malta to sit level on points with Russia at the top of the table.
Furthermore, Croatia must prepare for a hard battle against Belgium in a friendly battle before the Euros. A comfortable win this week will pave the way for what awaits the side in the next few months.
In contrast, Armenia did not hope to finish the top two in the Euros qualification group. However, the start for their road to Qatar 2022 comes with three consecutive wins.
Croatia vs Armenia Head to Head
Both sides have not yet faced each other, and this marks the first time they are meeting. However, here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Croatia 3-0 Malta
- Croatia 1-0 Cyprus
- Slovenia 1-0 Croatia
- Croatia 2-3 Portugal
- Sweden 2-1 Croatia
Away
- Armenia 3-2 Romania
- Armenia 2-0 Iceland
- Liechtenstein 0-1 Armenia
- Armenia 1-0 North Macedonia
- Georgia 1-2 Armenia
Croatia Team News
Champions league winner Mateo Kovacic will get a rest this week after lifting the cup with Chelsea. Veteran defender Dejan Lovren picked up a knee ligament injury and looks less likely to get risked in a friendly. Likewise, there continue to be injury concerns for Ante Rebic.
Armenia Team News
Caparros made a final call while opting for a youthful side to face off in the friendlies. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan did not receive a call-up which made him share his sentiments on social media. Instead, Gevorg Ghazaryan shook off an injury to make the friendlies.
Prediction and Odds
Armenia head into the clash without any pressure but Croatia will want to set the tone for this match.
- Croatia Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- No Goal: Armenia
