Macedonia make a short trip to Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, this Friday, to kick-start their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Both sides would want to win this game in order to set their campaign on track. The other four teams in Group A are http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wales-c3041.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Croatia-c2879
Croatia were disappointing at the Euro 2012, where they failed to reach the knockout stages of the competition. And in addition to that, Croatia are winless in their last three games, with their last win coming against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 at UEFA Euro 2012.
Igor Štimac has asked his players to deliver this time around as he wants a positive start from his side.
Macedonia FYR
Čedomir Janevski’s side failed to qualify for the last major international tournament, something they would want to change this time.
Macedonia have been in a good form lately and haven’t lost any of their last three matches.
Croatia are favourites for the match against 97th FIFA ranked team. However, football is a funny game and it would be silly to rule out Macedonia’s chances in the match.
Team news
Croatia
The Blazers have so many talented goal scorers in their ranks, who can torment the opposition on their best day.
In form of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eduardo-c12034, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk at the moment, Croatia have a player who can win matches on his own.
And apart from Danijel Pranjić, Igor Štimac has a full fit squad, giving him a selection headache.
Macedonia
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Red-Lions-c40348 are lucky to have a player like Goran Pandev, who is also the captain of the side. He will be Macedonia’s main hope of getting anything out of that game.
The notable absentees from Čedomir Janevski’s side are Ilčo Naumoski and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vlade-Lazarevski-c36320. Both these players have over 40 international caps to their names and their omission from the squad has raised many questions.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luka-Modric-c22857 – Croatia
In form of Luka Modric, Croatia have a world class player. The 26-year-old, who has recently completed his move to Real Madrid, would be the key player for the Blazers and his passing abilities are certain to cause many problems for the opposition.
Niko Kranjčar – Croatia
Modric’s former club team-mate, Kranjčar, is an exceptional talent. After moving to Dynamo Kyiv in the summer, the Croatian has rediscovered his best form and is expected to start alongside Luka Modric in midfield.
Ivica Olić – Croatia
The former Bayern Munich striker is still one of the best finishers in the game despite being in his 30s. Moving to Wolfsburg in the summer has helped him get regular footballing action, and he could be a real surprise package in this qualifying campaign.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Goran-Pandev-c15161 – Macedonia
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 striker and the captain of the national team, Pandev is rated very highly by his coaches. And with 25 international goals to his name, he can be a real threat for Croatia in the match.
Veliče Šumulikoski – Macedonia
Šumulikoski, has plenty of experience under his belt with 80 international caps to his name. He will be very influential for his side in slowing down the pace of the game.
Prediction
Both teams have the ability to win this match. However, Croatia are by far the stronger side on paper, and expect them to win this match with ease.
Final Predicted Score: Croatia 2-1 Macedonia
Tags: