Croatia vs Gibraltar Prediction & Betting Tips (12 October)

Capable of reaching the last four of the last two World Cups, Croatia is of course aiming for a new direct qualification for this competition where it would not announce itself as one of the favorites for the final victory, especially after its premature elimination experienced during Euro 2024. For the moment, the Checkerboard selection is performing rather well in these qualifiers since it occupies the head of the ranking with the same number of points as the Republic Czech who played one more match. Still undefeated, the Vatreni had won their first 4 matches in this campaign as against the Faroe Islands 0-1 and Montenegro 4-0 last month before being held in check by the Czech Republic precisely on Thursday evening 0-0. On the other side of the median, Gibraltar is undoubtedly one of the weakest selections on the Old Continent and it must be content to play sparring partner once again in this qualifying campaign.

Far from being able to aim for qualification, Team 54 has already lost 5 times in as many matches in this group, against Croatia 0-7 and the Faroe Islands notably 2-1 last June. In September, they were dominated by Albania in a friendly 0-1 and then again by the Faroe Islands 0-1. Finally, on Wednesday evening, Gibraltar suffered another setback against New Caledonia in a friendly 0-2. 

This Croatian team is still led by the formidable Kramaric (Hoffenheim, 108 salts, 36 goals) who crashed 6 times in these qualifiers. At his side, we should find the veteran Perisic (PSV, 146, 37 goals; 3 goals, 3 assists in this group). Osasuna scorer Ante Budimir (34 caps, 6 goals) and Franjo Ivanovic (Benfica, 6 caps, 2 goals) are also well suited. In search of a final challenge with his selection, Luka Modric (AC Milan, 191 caps, 28 goals) remains one of the driving forces of this team. Executive defender Gvardiol (Manchester City, 43 sel), midfielders Kovacic (Manchester City, 111 sel) and Mario Pasalic (Atalanta, 11 goals in 79 sel) are also in the list of players present.

Conversely, defenders Stanisic (Bayern Munich, 25 sel), Juranovic (Union Berlin, 40 sel) and Sosa (Crystal Palace, 27 sel) and attacking midfielder Vlasic (Torino, 8 goals in 58 sel) all had to withdraw this month. Gibraltar's squad is obviously far from being at the same level as that of Croatia and certain executives like the defenders Olivero (64 sels), Britto (46 sels) and Sergeant (61 sels), midfielders Pozo (19 sels at 20 years old), Walker (88 sels, 8 goals) and attacker Coombes (32 sels) are all missing. The vast majority of players called up for this international window play in the weak local championship or in the lower English divisions. Among the members of this team, Tjay de Barr (Lincoln Red Imps) is the top scorer with 3 goals scored in 55 caps. 

• Summary: Croatia is going head to head with Gibraltar starting on 12 Oct 2025 at 18:45 UTC at Stadion Varteks stadium, Varaždin city, Croatia. The match is a part of the World Cup Qual. UEFA L .
• Referee: Oleksiy Derevinskyi
• Croatia Feedinco Rating: 7.42
• Gibraltar Feedinco Rating: 6.54