Croatia vs Slovenia- Pre Game

[MetroFever]

Croatia and Slovenia have faced each other 6 times and the Croats are 4-0-2:

1991- Murska Sobota, Slovenia (exhibition):
Croatia 1 Slovenia 0

1995- Zagreb, Croatia (Euro 96 qualifer):
Croatia 2 Slovenia 0

1995- Ljubljana, Slovenia (Euro 96 qualifer):
Croatia 2 Slovenia 0

1997- Split, Croatia (98 WC qualifier):
Croatia 3 Slovenia 3

1997- Ljubljana, Slovenia (98 WC qualifier):
Croatia 3 Slovenia 1

2002- Zagreb, Croatia (exhibition):
Croatia 0 Slovenia 0

Slovenes had 15 goals in Group 1 play, while the Croats have struggled to score. On the other hand, the Croatian defense has given up a stingy 4 goals, while the Slovenian defense has been porous, giving up an astounding 12 goals.

What is encouraging for Croatia is that Slovenia did not put up much of a fight in their only "real" competition in the group, losing to France 5-0 and 2-0, in addition to settling for a 2-2 against lowly Cyprus.

I'm looking for Croatia to draw at Slovenia 0-0 and to win at home 2-1.

[Soccersuperman]

You're quite correct Metro. I see the match as the match of a team with a weak attack (Cro) against the team with weak defence (Slo). Rapaic, Prso and Olic against Knavs, Cipot and Snofl.

Croatia: Rapaic and Prso. And Olic - on a good day. The defence is weaker part of the team (except Pletikosa) but still better than Slovenian.

Slovenia: The Trio - Zahovic, Ceh and Acimovic. I believe Slovenia will have to play 4-4-2 or maybe with libero in the back.

Chances? Croatia 55% vs Slovenia 45%.