Sweden will aim to end a run of four consecutive UEFA Nations League defeats when they host Croatia in Stockholm on Saturday.
Janne Andersson’s men secured promotion to the top tier of the competition when they finished top of Group B2 in 2018. However, they have since struggled against a higher calibre of opposition.
They lost 1-0 to France in their opener, before suffering a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Portugal. Sweden were then beaten 2-1 when they faced Croatia in Zagreb, and they lost 3-0 to Portugal last time out.
That run of results has left them rock bottom of Group A3, and they could be a little low on confidence as they gear up for this clash against Croatia.
Modric Sets the Rhythm
Croatia proved their quality when they went all the way to the World Cup final in 2018. They struggled in the 2018 Nations League, but topped their Euro 2020 qualifying group with ease.
However, Croatia have only won one of four Nations League games so far. That came against Sweden in Zagreb, when Andrej Kramaric came off the bench to score a late winner.
They are a technically gifted side, blessed with several fantastic midfielders. Ivan Rakitic has retired from international football, but manager Zlatko Dalic can still call upon Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, Chelsea’s Matteo Kovacic and Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic.
An Important Clash
Sweden might find it difficult to deal with that level of quality in the middle of the park. They have talented players of their own – Emil Forsberg is superb on the ball, Dejan Kulusevski shows great promise and forwards Marcus Berg and Alexander Isak are dangerous – yet it is hard to imagine them winning the midfield battle.
Mario Mandzukic has also retired since Croatia finished runners-up at the last World Cup, but Ivan Perisic and Josip Brekalo provide firepower.
Croatia have four wins in their five previous meetings against Sweden, and they could well add to that tally on Saturday.
If they win this game, it will condemn Sweden to relegation. However, defeat would blow the race wide open, so there is a clear motivation for Croatia to secure a result.
Tip: Croatia draw no bet
Stake: One unit
