Croatia vs Brazil: Betting preview, best bets & predictions

Croatia vs Brazil

The World Cup Quarter Finals are upon us. Croatia and Brazil will kick off proceedings in what promises to be a very interesting game with two contrasting styles of play clashing with the stakes higher than ever.

How to watch Croatia vs Brazil

When: Croatia vs Brazil, Friday December 9th, 2022
Where: Education City Stadium, Qatar
Kickoff: 10AM EST, 3PM GMT
How to watch: BBC One (or BBC iPlayer) (UK) Fox, Telemundo (US)

Croatia vs Brazil betting odds

Moneyline: Croatia: +800 | Draw +400 | Brazil -275

Croatia vs Brazil betting preview

Brazil is chasing World Cup number 6 while Croatia will be looking to build on an extremely solid four years. From their presence in the 2018 World Cup Final, to dancing with Spain in the round of 16 in Euro 2020, the Checkered Ones have a stellar record on the international stage, but now have the tough task of dethroning one of the favorites to win it all.

Brazil steamrolled past South Korea in their first match of the knockout stage, proving that their prior slip up was exactly that. Richarlison already has 3 goals this tournament and will be eyeing another after seeing Japan sneak one in last game. With Neymar now back within their ranks and the goals flowing in thick and fast, Croatia will have a really difficult job in keeping their goal clear of danger.

Neymar is only one goal away from matching Pele’s record of 77 international goals for Brazil. A strong penalty shootout from goalie Dominik Livakovic will have him soaring on confidence going into this game, but he’s only as good as is defense will allow.

Croatia’s ferocity on the international stage has to be admired. They’re forever taking big teams to extra time and beyond, but an ability to do so here against Brazil would be some accomplishment.

Croatia vs Brazil betting pick

I’m going to back the Over 2.5 goal selection here. Both teams boast impressive defenses, but Brazil’s star-studded attack is great and Croatia are too hungry not to score here. I don’t think the Checkered ones find a way to win, as they struggled against Spain and France in recent years, allowing over 3 goals in each game. But they will push Tite’s men to be at their best.