Croatia and Azerbaijan meet at Stadion Maksimir, in a match for this phase of the qualification for the European Championship (Qualifying Round). There is only a record of 1 direct match in the last 3 years between these two teams, on 03-09-2015, which ended with a draw by (0-0). Attention to the home factor, since Croatia usually conquer different results at home and abroad.
Croatia:
The home team had direct access to this group stage, so they will play their first match in this edition of the competition. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses in away matches, with 15 goals scored and 22 conceded; against 9 wins and 6 draws in their stadium, with 23 goals scored and 10 suffered. The team comes to this match after a defeat away with England by (2-1). In the last 10 home matches for all competitions Croatia has won 8 and tied 2. The team has scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly , since they scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, he got the comeback in 4 of the 7 games in which he suffered the first goal.
Croatia leaves for this match with a defeat, 2-1, in the field of England, in a game to count for the League of Nations. In the game against Azerbaijan, coach Zlatko Dalic must use a starting eleven very similar to the last match, aligned in 4-3-3, benefiting the maintenance of ball possession and organized attacks: Modric, the captain, is the great teacher of the team. On the other hand, it is important to underline the quality and opportunism of Ante Rebic, a very effective player in the finalization. There are no absences of weight for this game.
Azerbaijan:
The visiting team had direct access to this group stage, so they will play their first match in this edition of the competition. This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 4 wins, 4 draws and 7 losses in away matches, with 15 goals scored and 29 conceded; against 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses at their stadium, with 17 goals scored and 13 conceded. The team comes to this match after a loss to Kosovo by (4-0). In the last 7 away matches Azerbaijan has won 2, tied 1 and lost 4. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 7 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, he suffered the first goal 7 times and never got the comeback.
Azerbaijan leaves for this match with a rebuff, 4-0, in the move to Kosovo, in a game to count for the League of Nations. In this game against the world runner-up, coach Qurban Qurbanov must act in 4-2-3-1, however, with a more cautious strategy, since the opponent has great individual values. However, Azerbaijan must create some danger through the counterattack: Madatov is largely responsible for this type of transition. It is inevitable to highlight the goalkeeper Rufat Dadashov, a very competent player in the finalization. All the best players are available.
