Croatia - Brazil predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

Today at 16:30  Croatia will host Brazil as part of their preparations for the Olympic qualification.

Croatia

Croatia is determined to make it to the Olympics, having been absent from major world championships for quite some time. The squad features all their star players—Šarić, Hezonja, and Zubac—who will significantly add size and skill to the team.

In their recent match against Poland, the team struggled in the first half, but the difference in class was evident and Croatia comfortably won by 14 points. The Croatian big three scored more than half of the team's points.

Additionally, their 12-match winning streak was only ended in the EuroBasket qualifiers, where they lost to France. Nevertheless, with a 13-1 record in their last 14 matches, the team is on the rise and well-prepared for the Olympics. They need to approach the games in optimal condition.

It's important to highlight their scoring over the last 10 matches—86 points on average. For European basketball, this is quite powerful, and they allow only 69 points on average. This indicates robust and systematic defence. With all players available and averaging 3.2 blocks per game, it's safe to say the paint is well-guarded.

Brazil

The Latin American team also started their Olympic qualifiers preparation against Poland with a confident win—91:75. It's worth mentioning Partizan's centre Bruno Caboclo, who scored 21 points, and Memphis Grizzlies' young power forward Pereira, with 18 points and 12 rebounds in the last game. These two big men will be crucial for the team's future results.

The Brazilians feel quite confident on their home continent and against North American teams, but they struggle against systematic European sides. In their last 5 matches against European teams, they managed just one win against Poland.

Head-to-head

In the Olympic Games Qualification 2021, Brazil defeated Croatia 94:67. In the Group Stage of the 2016 Olympic Games, Croatia narrowly won against Brazil 80:76. During the 2010 World Championship Group Stage, Brazil emerged victorious over Croatia 92:74.

Match Prediction: Croatia vs Brazil

All things considered, Croatia should be favoured. They have a more powerful and deeper roster with strong leaders, especially on home turf. Given Brazil's performances against European teams and their weak perimeter defence, Croatia has the advantage.