As the FIFA World Cup Qualification (WCQ) campaign draws to a close, Group L winners Croatia travel to Podgorica to face a Montenegro side desperate to end their run on a respectable note. While qualification is already sealed for the visitors, pride and performance remain on the line—setting the stage for what could be a lively, attack-minded encounter.
Match Context: Contrasting Journeys for Montenegro and Croatia
Montenegro’s Struggles Despite Home Strength
Montenegro opened their WCQ campaign on a high with back–to–back wins, but their dream of reaching a major tournament as an independent nation once again collapsed.
A brutal run of four straight defeats without scoring hammered their hopes, making their recent 2-1 win over Gibraltar more symbolic than impactful.
Yet, the Brave Falcons tend to rise at home:
- 3 wins in their last four competitive home games
- Only one defeat in their last six home qualifiers (W4, D1, L1)
- Strong defensive and tactical discipline on home soil
Returning to Podgorica may just restore belief, even if only to avoid another heavy defeat.
Croatia’s Dominant Path to Qatar
Croatia has been almost flawless. Their six wins and one draw so far underline a campaign defined by consistency, firepower, and defensive excellence:
- 23 goals scored, only two conceded
- Unbeaten away from home (W2, D1)
- Haven’t conceded in any away match this campaign
- 7-match unbeaten streak in WCQ away fixtures
Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands—despite conceding first—showcased their resilience and attacking depth.
With qualification secured, this fixture presents Croatia with an opportunity to rotate, experiment, and maintain their proud international standards.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
These nations have only met once before:
➡️ Croatia 4–0 Montenegro (September reverse fixture)
The visitors dominated that match, and with both sides expected to approach this clash freely, another high-scoring affair is possible.
Hot Stats to Shape Your Betting Mindset
- Only 1 of Montenegro’s last six competitive matches saw both teams score.
- Montenegro has kept just one clean sheet in their last nine home games.
- Croatia scored 3threeor or more goals in 5 of their 7 WCQ matches.
- 4 of Croatia’s lastfive5 away fixtures returned under 2.5 goals
- Both teams feature attackers who score early, promising early-goal potential.
Key Players to Watch
Montenegro: Nikola Krstović
Fresh from scoring the winner vs Gibraltar, Krstović is in a unique scoring rhythm:
➡️ His last five goals (club & country) have all arrived before half-time.
His speed and direct play will be Montenegro’s best weapon on the counter.
Croatia: Petar Musa
Musa is in red-hot form:
➡️ 7 goals in his last nine matches for FC Dallas and Croatia
➡️ 5 of those goals came before the break
Expect Musa to be central to Croatia’s attacking transitions.
Predicted Match Dynamics
With qualification decided, tactical pressure fades—and entertainment begins. Coaches are likely to rotate squads, giving room for emerging attackers, risk-taking football, and possibly defensive lapses.
Expect:
- Open, attacking football
- Early goals (both teams have forwards who strike early)
- Less emphasis on rigid defensive structures
- Free-flowing counterattacks
Prediction: Montenegro 1–3 Croatia
Croatia’s superior quality, depth, and attacking efficiency should once again shine through. Montenegro might find moments of joy—especially early—but the visitors are simply too well-balanced to be troubled over 90 minutes.
➡️ Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals
Given that the last H2H ended 4-0 and both teams carry strong offensive narratives into this match, this outcome remains highly realistic.
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