Follow @SBTSportBetting [Get Exclusive Tips on our Patreon, Ad-Free]
The second round of fixtures in Group D take place on June 17, 2016 and they start with this game, Czech Republic versus Croatia, which takes place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne. The other game in the group is Spain versus Turkey, which will take place later in the evening on June 17.
Czech Republic put up an impressive defensive performance against Group D favourites Spain, and lost 1-0 thanks to a late goal. The Czechs didn’t really put a foot wrong against Spain, and held their own without putting too much pressure on Spain. However, they did create a few decent chances, and if they had a bit more luck on their side, they would have got the draw many will feel they deserved.
Croatia come into this on the back of a relatively comfortable 1-0 win over Turkey, consolidating their positions as second-favourites for Group D behind current European champions Spain. As expected, the Croatian defence looked resolute, hard to break down, and that midfield partnership of Modric and Rakitic pulled all the strings. They did miss a cutting edge up front, however, as they should really have had three or four against Turks.
Czech Republic vs Croatia Match Betting Odds:
Czech Republic: 4.5, 7/2, +350
Croatia: 1.95, 19/20, -105
Draw: 3.5, 5/2, +250
Czech Republic vs Croatia Match Betting Tips:
Looking at their first round of matches, and taking qualification into consideration, the Croatian defence did not disappoint. If you read my preview for the Croatia vs Turkey game, you will know how high I am on that Croatian back line. Corluka was outstanding, and looked like he had been in the wars, putting himself on the line to keep the all-important clean sheet. Croatia looked good, they’re only going to get better, and the Czech Republic just don’t look like the kind of side that are going to do any damage to a classy Croatia side that is only going to get better. Croatia to win is the no-brainer here and they’re a huge price.
Czech Republic vs Croatia Prop Bets:
Like I said in the first round of Group D games, the Czechs are involved in open games, and they do ship goals for fun, but they also tend to score them. But can they break down a tough defence? Possibly, as Turkey could have nicked one if they were sharper against Croatia. That being said, Croatia should have had more. I’m looking at goals here, over 2.5 goals is the play. Whether that’s all from Croatia, or the Czechs managed to nick one, it’s going to be attack, attack, attack from both sides and it should be a cracking game.
