As Croatia heads into this important qualifier at the top of Group L, they should not underestimate the Faroe Islands. The Faroes arrive with newfound confidence after their surprising victory over the Czech Republic. Given the odds, a small island nation receiving a +2.25-goal start is definitely worth a second look.
Understanding the Asian Handicap
Backing the Faroe Islands with a +2.25 Asian Handicap means your stake is split in two: half at +2.0 and half at +2.5. If they lose by two goals, you will receive half of your money back. If they lose by less or win, you will see a profit. Considering Croatia’s history of struggling against resolute defenses, this bet is intriguing.
Croatia’s Recent Performance
In their last competitive match, Croatia showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gibraltar at Stadion Varteks. The team held 80% possession, registered eleven shots on target, and saw players like Toni Fruk, Luka Sučić, and Martin Erlić score. Their style is effective, dominating weaker opponents with ease.
Faroe Islands’ Upset Victory
The Faroe Islands recently stunned the Czech Republic with a 2-1 win at Tórsvøllur Stadium. Despite having only three shots on goal and 42% possession, they made their chances count with goals from Hanus Sørensen and Martin Agnarsson. Their ability to maximize limited opportunities is impressive.
Team Form and Stats
Croatia’s Last Ten Matches
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 2
- Draws: 2
- Goals per Game: 2.7
- Shots on Target: 7.0
- Total Attempts: 13.9
- Possession: 56.7%
- Corners: 7.5
- Goals Conceded: 1 (3.2 shots on target)
Top Contributors:
- Andrej Kramarić: 6 goals
- Ivan Perišić: 4 goals, 3 assists
- Ante Budimir: 3 goals
- Dominik Livaković: 5 clean sheets
Faroe Islands’ Last Ten Matches
- Wins: 5
- Losses: 4
- Draws: 1
- Goals per Game: 1.2
- Shots on Target: 3.2
- Total Attempts: 7.1
- Possession: 45%
- Corners: 4.6
- Goals Conceded: 0.8 (4.7 shots on target)
Top Contributors:
- Hanus Sørensen: 4 goals
- Martin Agnarsson: 2 goals
- Árni Frederiksberg: 2 goals, 2 assists
- Mattias Lamhauge: 2 clean sheets
Historical Context
In their previous encounter at Tórsvøllur, Croatia narrowly won 1-0. However, when looking at Asian Handicap trends, the Faroe Islands have successfully covered +2.25 in their last 19 matches. Conversely, Croatia has failed to cover -2.25 in 16 of their last 20 games, including 7 of their last 10 at home. While bookmakers estimate this market at a 50% probability, our analysis suggests a higher likelihood of about 60%.
Betting Options and Predictions
If you prefer higher odds, a 1-0 win for Croatia is currently priced around +600. This tight scoreline would yield a solid return, especially if you place a bet on Toni Fruk or another key player to score.
For corner enthusiasts, consider backing the Faroe Islands to have over 1.5 corners at -125. They have averaged 5.8 corners in their last five matches, and Croatia has allowed an average of 5.6 corners per game over the past ten matches. This data suggests the Faroes’ attacking play down the flanks could easily yield at least two corners.
Multi-Bet Options
For those looking to create a more complex bet, consider a combination of the following:
- Faroe Islands +2.25 Asian Handicap
- Both Teams To Score – No
- Faroe Islands Over 1.5 Corners
This selection captures the strengths and tendencies of both teams effectively.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that informed staking consistently outperforms guesswork. Wishing you the best of luck with your bets! May they be just as precise as Croatia’s passing strategy. Remember to gamble responsibly—18+ only.