Croatia's toughest game is in the books, and now it will be fighting to stay alive when it takes on the Czech Republic in a 2020 UEFA European Championship group-stage match on Friday. The Croats suffered a 1-0 setback against England, the world's fourth-ranked team and a tournament favorite, on Sunday. Now it faces a Czech team that looked impressive as striker Patrik Schick scored twice in a 2-0 victory against Scotland. Croatia will face the Scots next week, and it will be desperate to avoid being eliminated from Euro 2020 before that match.
Kickoff from Glasgow is set for noon ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists Croatia as the +125 favorite (risk $100 to win $125) in its latest Croatia vs. Czech Republic odds from William Hill Sportsbook, with the over-under for total goals scored set at 2.5. Before making Czech Republic vs. Croatia picks or 2020 Euro predictions, you have to see what European soccer insider Martin Green is saying.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. He's having a great Euro 2020 as well, with his picks generating over $500 in profit for $100 bettors through Wednesday's action. Green has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
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Now, Green has taken an in-depth look at Croatia vs Czech Republic. You can head to SportsLine to see his expert picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Czech Republic vs Croatia:
- Croatia vs. Czech Republic spread: Croatia -0.5 (+120)
- Croatia vs. Czech Republic over-under: 2.5 goals (over +130, under -160)
- Croatia vs. Czech Republic money line: Croatia +125, Czech Republic +245, Draw +215
- Croatia: Ivan Perisic has 28 goals and 18 assists in his 10-year national-team career.
- Czech Republic: Patrik Schick has 12 goals in 25 international matches (19 starts).
Why you should back Croatia
The Croats are the superior team on paper, ranking 16th in the world, 24 spots ahead of the Czech Republic. They have not lost in three all-time matchups (2-1-0) and have not lost their second game in their past 10 major tournaments (6-4-0). Luka Modric, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 as the world's best player, is the key to the Croatian attack. The Real Madrid man's passing and field vision are nearly unmatched, and he puts teammates in position to succeed. He created more than three shots per game with La Liga runner-up Real Madrid last season.
Croatia's midfield is one of the best in the world, with Modric joined by Chelsea's Matteo Kovacic and Inter Milan's Marcelo Brozovic, and they have strong options at their disposal. Ivan Perisic and Bruno Petkovic both have four goals and four assists in 2021 competitions. Ante Rebic has scored one and set up one, but he had 11 goals with AC Milan last season and is due to break through. Nikola Vlasic, who had 11 goals and five assists for CSKA Moscow, and Josip Brekalo, with seven for Wolfsburg, are the team's future stars and could figure into Friday's plan.
Why you should back Czech Republic
Schick was a one-man wrecking crew in the opener against Scotland, scoring what is likely to be the goal of the tournament to provide the winning margin. The 25-year-old had nine goals in 20 starts with Bayern Leverkusen and has seven in nine matches for the national team in 2021 competitions. He should find openings against a Croatia team that has two clean sheets in its last 15 games.
The Czechs also have an excellent midfielder in Tomas Soucek, who scored 10 goals in the English Premier League with West Ham United. Defender Vladimir Coufal had seven assists alongside him to help the Hammers to a sixth-place finish. Highly rated 18-year-old Adam Hlozek, who scored 15 goals in 19 games with Sparta Prague, could give the Czechs a jolt, likely off the bench. The Czechs played to a 1-1 draw with world No. 1 Belgium in March, and they will be motivated to advance to the knockout stage before facing England next week.
How to make Croatia vs. Czech Republic Euro 2020 picks
Green has taken an intensive look at the Croatia vs. Czech Republic matchup. He is leaning under on the goal total (2.5) and has two strong best bets, including one with a significant plus-money payout. He's only sharing those picks on SportsLine.
So who wins Croatia vs. Czech Republic in Friday's Euro 2020 matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Czech Republic vs. Croatia Euro 2020 match, all from the European soccer expert who has generated nearly $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season.
