Gibraltar vs. Croatia - prediction, team news, lineups

By Lewis Nolan

Published: June 4 2025 | 17:03

Last updated: June 5 2025 | 00:48

Croatia will play the first game of their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday against hosts Gibraltar at Estadio Do Algarve.

Gibraltar are last in their five-team group with no points following their 4-0 loss against the Czech Republic on March 25, while Croatia are third despite being the only team to have not played any match in Group L.

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Match preview

© Imago

The hosts' defeat against the Czech Republic was by no means unexpected given they have never qualified for a major tournament, but they will still be disappointed to have only produced one shot throughout the match.

In fact, Gibraltar have only mustered two attempts on target in their two group games and have only netted three times in their last five fixtures.

Boss Julio Ribas's side have conceded nine goals in their past five outings, and their goal difference of minus seven is the worst figure in their group.

It should be noted that though Gibraltar have lost their two most recent matches, they were unbeaten in their previous seven, settling for stalemates on five occasions.

Ribas's team have enjoyed a relatively successful period at home, winning two, drawing three and losing just one of their last five at Estadio Do Algarve.

© Imago

Meanwhile, Croatia's most recent clash came against France in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final, a game that they lost 2-0, squandering their 2-0 advantage from the first leg before ultimately losing 5-4 on penalties.

The defeat was the fourth time in five games that the visitors failed to win, losing twice while only winning once.

Blazers conceded seven goals in those five fixtures, finding the back of the net six times themselves.

Manager Zlatko Dalic will be expected to qualify for the World Cup considering his nation finished third in the 2022 World Cup and second in the 2018 iteration of the competition.

The visitors are also winless in their past five away from home, succumbing to defeat on three occasions, drawing twice and achieving victory once.