Finished
1 - 2
(HT 1 - 0)
6th Oct 26, 2:45 PM
17'
I. Perisic
61'
M. Merino
88'
M. Merino

Croatia vs Spain Prediction: Can Croatia stop Spain again?

Last updated a month ago by Yordan Spasov
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What is SmartBet?

Developed by a team of professional bettors, the SmartBet model is powered by an AI engine to analyse over 1,000 data points for Croatia vs Spain. We continuously monitor the thousands of daily odds changes to update our predictions, ensuring you get the best value. Learn more about SmartBet.

Croatia host Spain on 6 October in Round 4 of the UEFA Nations League, with kick-off at 18:45 UTC. Spain are in strong form, but the Oddspedia SmartBet model’s Croatia v Spain prediction favours the hosts to win or draw.

The model gives Croatia a 62.03% chance of avoiding defeat, compared with the market’s implied 32.26%, suggesting an expected value of +92.28%. Croatia will hope to disrupt Spain’s rhythm and use home advantage to come away with at least a point.

Our Expert's Prediction - Croatia vs Spain Total Goals Full Time

Total Goals Full Time: Over 3.5
Stuart Brown
Sports Betting Expert
DraftKings
Lost
+125

Over 3.5 goals is the pick for this Croatia v Spain prediction, with Croatia’s dismal display against England raising concerns about their defending. Spain arrive on a five-match winning streak and have the attacking quality to punish similar mistakes.

Croatia still carry a goal threat of their own, while previous meetings suggest both teams can contribute to the scoring. If the hosts leave the same gaps England exploited, this could become an open game with at least four goals.

Prematch Probabilities

Winner probabilities
CRO
27% Home
21% Draw
52% Away
ESP

SmartBet forecast correct: Away Winner

Correct Score probabilities
>3 3 2 1 0
3.7% 0.2% 1.7% 3.0% 2.6% 1.3% 4.0% 6.0% 5.8% 3.8% 5.8% 9.1% 8.3% 5.4% 4.9% 8.3% 8.2% 4.4% 13.2%
0 1 2 3 >3
Correct Score: Other Away Win

What does the Oddspedia community think?

Full Time Result: Spain
85%
17 of 20 Tips
K
RD
S
+13
BetMGM
Won
-345

Spain are the clear favourites among the Oddspedia community, with 85% of tipsters backing them to win at around 1/2. Their five-match winning streak and strong record against Croatia in recent years help explain that support.

The short odds offer little room for error, particularly if Croatia make a lively start at home. Backing Spain means trusting them to take control and turn their good form into another victory.

Consensus

14
Total Goals: Over 2.5
100%
18 of 18 Tips
DraftKings
Best odds
-205
Both Teams to Score: Yes
100%
13 of 13 Tips
DraftKings
Best odds
-115
Asian Handicap: Spain -1.5
100%
11 of 11 Tips
bet365
Best odds
-118
Total Cards: Over 3.5
100%
6 of 6 Tips
Marathonbet
Best odds
+111
First Team to Score: No Goal
100%
4 of 4 Tips
bet365
Best odds
+2000

Community Tips

169
-179.70
83 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Total Goals: Over 3.5
Lost
+120
-576.49
663 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Asian Handicap: Spain -1.5
Lost
-122
-247.21
166 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Asian Handicap: Spain -1.5
Lost
-122
-408.66
1110 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
To Score in Both Halves: Spain
Lost
-118
-386.32
362 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Total Goals: Over 2.5
Won
-227
-380.77
187 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Both Teams to Score: Yes
Won
-120
-777.08
1135 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
To Score in Both Halves: Spain
Lost
-118
-90.54
174 Tips
a month ago
3
Accumulator bet
Won
+136
-0.71
918 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Asian Handicap: Spain -2.5
Lost
+201
-368.07
833 Tips
a month ago
Croatia - Spain
Half Time / Full Time: Draw / Draw
Lost
+850
W L W L L

Croatia Form Analysis: Can they steady the ship?

Croatia have won twice and lost three times in their last five matches, averaging one goal scored and four conceded per game. With just 2.7 shots on target per match, they have struggled to create enough chances to compensate for their defensive problems.

They have scored in seven consecutive matches, though, with Modrić, Pašalić and Beljo each contributing a goal. Their 4–1 defeat to Spain on 29 September highlights the challenge ahead: home support could help, but Croatia need to tighten up at the back to give themselves a chance.

W W W W W

Spain Form Analysis: Can the streak keep rolling?

Spain have won their last five matches, averaging 3.3 goals, 16 shots and 7.3 shots on target per game, alongside 59% possession. They have scored in both halves in 100% of those matches, showing how consistently they threaten throughout a game.

They also concede an average of 1.3 goals per match, giving Croatia some hope of getting on the scoresheet. Yamal, Merino and Baena each have a goal and an assist, highlighting Spain’s range of attacking options and strengthening the case for another convincing away win.

Croatia vs Spain Stats

Croatia vs Spain Odds: Spain short, goals priced in

Spain are clear favourites to win at around 1/2, with Croatia priced at 19/2 and the draw roughly 5/1. The Asian Handicap market also points towards a comfortable away win, with Spain -1.75 at around 1/2 and Croatia +1.75 at approximately 4/5.

The goals market strongly favours over 3.25 goals, while under 3.25 is available at roughly evens. Both teams’ recent scoring records support the prospect of an open game, with Spain’s attacking form and Croatia’s defensive struggles adding to that expectation.

Croatia vs Spain Odds

Croatia vs Spain Predicted Lineups: Two 4-2-3-1 setups

Croatia are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Slaven Bilić, with Livaković behind Stanišić, Vušković, Gvardiol and Perišić. Modrić and Kovačić bring experience to midfield, while Ivanović, Sučić and Baturina are tipped to support Musa up front.

Spain are also predicted to use a 4-2-3-1, with Raya in goal and Fresneda, Le Normand, Laporte and Fran García across the back. Rodri and Pedri could dictate possession, leaving Yamal, Olmo and Baena to create chances for Roberto Fernández. Croatia’s ability to disrupt that midfield partnership could be key to slowing Spain’s attack.

Croatia Bilic, Slaven
Spain De La Fuente, Luis
4-2-3-1
D. Livakovic
1
J. Stanisic
2
J. Sutalo
6
L. Vuskovic
5
J. Gvardiol
4
66' Substitute Out
Yellow Card
L. Modric
10
K. Jakic
18
72' Substitute Out
N. Vlasic
13
88' Substitute Out
M. Kovacic
8
Yellow Card Red Card
I. Perisic
14
66' Substitute Out
I. Matanovic
20
4-2-3-1
U. Simon
23
M. Pubill
12
P. Cubarsi
5
A. Laporte
14
M. Cucurella
22
71' Substitute Out
Yellow Card
Rodri
16
87' Substitute Out
Pedri
20
78' Substitute Out
L. Yamal
19
71' Substitute Out
A
D. Olmo
10
46' Substitute Out
A. Baena
15
M. Oyarzabal
21
Stadion Poljud
Lambrechts, Erik

Last Matches

L W L L L ?
W W W W W ?

Head-2-Head

Last 9 years
1
Win
6
Wins
7 played

Standings

UEFA Nations League 26/27, League A, Group 3

# Team P W D L Goals Pts
1
4
4
0
0
12:5
W W W W ?
12
2
4
3
0
1
14:3
L W W W ?
9
3
4
1
0
3
4:14
W L L L ?
3
4
4
0
0
4
2:10
L L L L ?
0

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FAQ Croatia vs Spain

Who will win between Croatia and Spain?

Spain are favourites at around 1/2, having won 83% of their last six meetings with Croatia over the past nine years.

They also arrive on a nine-match winning streak, although Croatia will hope home advantage can help them secure a draw.

What is the best bet for Croatia and Spain?

The model’s best value play is Double Chance: 1X, rated 5/5 confidence, with a 0.62 probability versus 0.32 implied by odds. The community’s main pick is Full Time Result: Spain, but it is a shorter price.

What is Oddspedia SmartBet?

Oddspedia SmartBet is a computer model prediction that simulates match outcomes and compares its probability to the implied probability from odds. When the model probability is higher, it may point to a positive expected value (+EV) bet.

Where and when is the match played?

Croatia vs Spain is played on 16th October in the UEFA Nations League (Round 4). Kick-off is set for 18:45 UTC. It is a key game because Spain are in top form and Croatia need points quickly.

Where to watch Croatia vs Spain?

UEFA Nations League matches are typically shown on major sports broadcasters, depending on your country, such as Sky Sports or ITV-style rights holders in some regions. You can also check bet365 for live streaming if you have an eligible account.

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