Analysis of the L-Group of World and European Qualifiers: Croatia vs Montenegro, the plaid team strives for 3 points, the starter is released

World Cup qualifiers: Croatia vs Montenegro

Group L of the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers ushered in a key battle, and Croatia will face Montenegro at home at 2:45 am on September 9. This game is crucial for both sides to compete for the right to qualify in the group. Croatia ranked second and suitable for third place. They are all doing their best to catch up with the Czech Republic, the leader of the group. This game can be regarded as a six-point battle. So who can win in the game? Let's analyze it:

Croatia recruited many powerful players this time, such as Modric, although he was still in the year. The matter is already high, but the sword is still not old and leads the midfield. In addition, Perisic and Gvadior are also on the list. The overall strength of the team cannot be underestimated. They scored 12 goals against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic in the first two rounds. Although they beat the Faroe Islands 1-0 in the last round, they are currently 3 points behind the Czech Republic in two games in the fewer games, and are still the strongest contender in the group. Facing Montenegro in this game, the team will naturally be able to score 3 points and narrow the gap with the top of the list as soon as possible.

Montenegro never advanced to the main competition after independence. Montenegro originally started the qualifiers with two consecutive home wins (violating Gibraltar and Faroe Islands), but then suffered a double defeat in the Czech Republic (both lost 0-2). Coach Robert Prosinetsky's team fell to third in the group, falling 3 points behind Croatia in one game less, and is 6 points away from the leader Czech Republic. For the team, only by getting points can they have the opportunity to get a playoff spot in the future. If they lose, the team basically misses the second place in the group, so this game is very important to the team.

‍Croatia, as the third place in the last World Cup, has a significantly superior strength. The world ranking is far higher than Montenegro, and the team's value is several times that of the opponent. The two teams have confronted each other three times in history, Croatia has won all the games and conceded 0 goals. The most recent time was the 2011 European Cup qualifiers. Croatia won 3-0 at home. The two Croatian coaches Dalic and Prosinetsky also had their first matchup. Prosinetsky once led the team to a draw against Croatia. Now when we meet again, who can win in the end depends on who will perform better on the spot.

‍Croatia is expected to start (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Yakic, Panglachi, Chaletta Kar, Sousa; Modric, Sucic; Perisic, Kramalic, Passalic; Budimir

‍Montenegro is expected to start (4-3-3): Peterkovic; M Vukcevic, Savic, Vuakic, A Vukcevic; Jankovic, Blatovic, Brnovic; Vukotic, Kelstovic, Jovitic