As Croatia prepares to host North Macedonia for an international friendly, anticipation is high for this clash.
This article provides a comprehensive preview, covering predictions, team news, form, and potential lineups.
Match Preview
Croatia's Aspirations
Croatia, the World Cup bronze medallists, are gearing up for Euro 2024 with this friendly in Rijeka.
The Croatian team, under Zlatko Dalic, is aiming to capitalize on their recent successes and finally secure a major international title.
Croatia's golden generation, featuring stars like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, is determined to improve their European Championship record, having never progressed past the quarter-finals.
North Macedonia's Challenge
North Macedonia, on the other hand, missed out on Euro 2024 qualification but is focusing on building a competitive team for future tournaments.
Head coach Blagoja Milevski is keen to develop a squad capable of making a mark in the next Nations League and World Cup qualifiers.
Despite holding England and Italy to draws in their qualifying group, North Macedonia couldn't secure a spot in the finals, making this friendly crucial for their preparations.
Team News
Croatia
Croatia will be experimenting with their lineup in this friendly.
Zlatko Dalic has most of his experienced players available, though Torino forward Nikola Vlasic is sidelined with an adductor problem. Ivan Perisic, who recently returned from a serious knee injury, is expected to feature.
Key players such as Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Andrej Kramaric will likely be joined by emerging talents like Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia will be without their captain Enis Bardhi due to a shoulder injury.
The creative burden will fall on RB Leipzig's Eljif Elmas and Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
Of the 27 men initially selected, only one plays in the Macedonian domestic league, showcasing the squad's reliance on internationally based players.
Recent Form
Croatia
Friendly Form: W W
Overall Form: L L W W W
North Macedonia
Friendly Form: D L
Overall Form: L W L D D L
Predicted Lineups
Croatia
Goalkeeper: Livakovic
Defenders: Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol
Midfielders: Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic
Forwards: Majer, Kramaric, Pjaca
North Macedonia
Goalkeeper: Dimitrievski
Defenders: Manev, Musliu, Serafimov
Midfielders: Dimoski, Atanasov, Alimi, Alioski
Forward: Elmas, Ristovski, Miovski
Prediction
Given the current form and squad strength, we're expecting Croatia to secure a win.
Our prediction is a 2-0 victory for Croatia, with the hosts likely to use this match to fine-tune their tactics ahead of tougher challenges at Euro 2024.
Croatia 
Macedonia 
