World Cup – Malta vs Croatia: Betting Preview

Malta come up against visiting side Croatia on Thursday at Ta’ Qali in a World Cup qualifying fixture. The local lads have been craving for a win for the past four games having drawn one and lost three. Meanwhile, the Checkered Ones running riots in Group H during the qualification rounds. Regardless of their victories, the visiting side need those three crucial points in today’s clash in the hope that they beat Russia in their final game of the WC qualification.

Our tip

Facts and figures for Malta vs Croatia in World Cup.

Current form — Malta v. Croatia

Malta continue to look blunt

While tough to break down Malta will be eager to turn one of their many draws into a win. Only a single point prevents Malta from getting through their last 3 games empty-handed. They came up short, losing 2-0 and 0-4 against Russia and Slovenia respectively. Their latest match brought some consolation with a 2-2 against Cyprus.

Croatia just two points behind leaders Russia

Croatia look to build on their current momentum with a positive result today. Their last three fixtures have been satisfying, however, they need a desperate win today on the away turf. They beat Slovenia by 3-0 followed by another 3-0 win against Cyprus, and a 2-2 draw against Slovakia last time out.

Malta v. Croatia — fixture history

The last match between Croatia vs Malta was a World Cup match back on 30 March 2021 and saw Croatia claim a 3-0 victory. Malta head into their upcoming match against Croatia with a 0% winning record in recent World Cup meetings. In 7 encounters, that amounts to a 0-1-6 record for the home side, as they amassed a win rate of 86%. In the last 7 meetings of these teams, an advantage was formed on the side of Croatia, and these matches were also remembered for a large number of goals.

Current table in the World Cup

Primary goal getter

It is difficult to look past Zach Muscat, when on the search for a marksman. He seems to be on a strong run, as he hit the target 2 times lately for Malta. Luka Modric has managed to score 2 times in the last six matches for Croatia. Though, the visiting side have Marko Livaja, Mario Pasalic, and Ivan Perisic who can cause havoc tonight.