Croatia vs Brazil odds and predictions: Who is the favorite in the World Cup 2022 game?

Zlatko Dalic says Brazil’s “terrifying” attack makes them the best team at the World Cup but the Croatia coach is adamant his team do not fear the Seleçao ahead of Friday’s

Croatia, runners-up in 2018, beat Japan on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Monday’s last-16 tie, setting up a meeting with the favourites

Brazil raced to a statement 4-1 win over South Korea to cruise into the last eight, scoring all of their goals in the opening 36 minutes.

With Neymar returning from injury to take his place alongside Vinicius Junior, Richarlison and Raphinha in a star-studded frontline, Dalic knows Croatia face the sternest of challenges.

“Brazil is the favourite, let’s face it,” Dalic said on Tuesday. “Brazil is the most powerful and the best national team at the World Cup.

“What I’ve seen so far, when you take a look at their selection of players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying.

Croatia have a fine record at the World Cup, finishing third in 1998 and runners-up in 2018, with another chance to reach the last four if they can overcome Brazil at Education City Stadium on Friday.

Croatia-Brazil (odds)

Odds (after 90 minutes):

Croatia win: 8/1

Brazil win: 7/20

Draw: 15/4

Croatia-Brazil: key stats

Brazil have reached at least the quarter-finals in their last eight World Cups. They were champions in 1994 and 2002 and runners-up in 1998, but have only reached the semi-finals once since then - as hosts in 2014 when they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany.

In four games so far, Croatia have won only once in 90 minutes - a 4-1 group stage win over Canada either side of goalless draws with Morocco and Belgium, before overcoming Japan on penalties with the score deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time.

Brazil striker Neymar, who marked his return from injury by scoring in Monday’s 4-1 win over South Korea, netted twice when they beat Croatia 3-1 in the group stage in 2014.

Croatia have won all three of their World Cup penalty shootouts. They beat Denmark in the last 16 and hosts Russia in the quarter-finals 2018, and Japan on Monday.

Croatia-Brazil: previous meetings:

Brazil are unbeaten in their four meetings with Croatia (W3 D1). The teams have met twice in the World Cup, with Brazil winning 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 as hosts in 2014.

Croatia-Brazil: AS USA prediction

Almost impossible to see Croatia getting anything from this game against a Brazil team that are purring. A tough night for Modric and co. as the Seleçao run out 0-3 winners.