Colombia and Croatia are intensifying their World Cup preparations with an exciting friendly international at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, USA.
Los Cafeteros remain unbeaten for over a year, while Croatia aims to extend their impressive streak of seven wins in eight matches.
Colombia vs Croatia friendly set for late kick-off
Colombia’s Strong Qualifying Campaign
Colombia missed the 2022 World Cup but bounced back by securing qualification for 2026 in dominant fashion.
The team lost only four of 18 qualifying games and scored 28 goals, trailing top scorers Argentina by three.
Recent form has been prolific, with Los Cafeteros netting six past Colombia, four against Mexico, and three against Australia in their latest official match.
Unbeaten since a 2-1 loss to Brazil last March, the side is gaining momentum for their World Cup return.
Matches against Croatia and France offer vital tests, especially with Portugal in their group.
Croatia’s World Cup Ambitions
Croatia is ramping up preparations with friendlies against Colombia, Brazil, and Belgium.
They achieved podium finishes in the last two World Cups, a feat tough to repeat for Zlatko Dalic’s squad.
Captain Luka Modric and vice-captain Ivan Perisic total 77 years, with Andrej Kramaric, Mario Pasalic, and Dominik Livakovic also in their 30s.
Youngsters have chances to impress in these friendlies, crucial for the summer tournament.
This marks the first head-to-head between Croatia and Colombia, with the South Americans expected to provide stiff opposition despite Croatia’s recent dominance over lower-ranked teams like 43rd-placed Czechia.
Recent Form
Colombia form (all competitions): W W W D W W
Croatia form (all competitions): W W D W W W
Key Players and Team News
Colombia excels in attack, with Luis Diaz one of two players boasting 20+ international goals. The Bayern Munich forward’s form will be key.
Captain James Rodriguez nears his 123rd cap, remaining vital for the Minnesota United star.
Defender Yerry Mina is absent, missing a chance to add to his 52 caps.
Croatia relies on veterans like Modric, Perisic, and Kramaric. Modric could reach 195 caps in Orlando, while AC Milan-linked.
In goal, inexperienced options like Hull City’s Ivor Pandur may feature alongside Karlo Letica, potentially over Dominik Livakovic’s 71 caps.
Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic miss out due to injuries.
Possible Starting Lineups
Colombia possible starting lineup: Vargas; Arias, Sanchez, Lucumi, Cabal; Lerma, Rios; Quintero, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
Croatia possible starting lineup: Letica; Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Stanisic; Modric, Moro; Pasalic, Vlasic, Perisic; Budimir
Match Prediction
International friendlies are unpredictable due to varying intensity levels.
Both teams are in fine form, but Colombia’s goalscoring prowess stands out. Expect that trend to persist.
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