It was an unexpected draw from Croatia. Considering their success in the world cup, they were seen as the favorites of this group. Now a difficult away from Turkey awaits Croatia. If they lose points there too, this group will be one of the most interesting groups. Turkey, Wales and Croatia are the three strong teams of the group. It's hard to predict which two will come out.
To some extent, Wales were lucky, but this does not negate the fact that Croatia will be the leader of this group, in subsequent rounds they will quickly change the situation in their favor. Turkey and Wales will fight for the second place. Croatia created many chances and they should have scored more, but instead Wales' only shot on target became a goal. Good defensive play by Wales also played an important role, but Croatia deserved to win this match.
It is true that Croatia played better, it is not easy to argue otherwise. But Wales also played very smartly, they managed to score points in this match thanks to their last minute goal.
I think all three teams in this group have a chance. The most critical match of the group will be played between Croatia and Turkey. If Turkey wins this match, something unexpected may happen and Croatia may have a chance to leave the group. It will be quite exciting
I have already warned in this discussion about the fact that Croatia always has problems with the game and the results at the beginning of each qualification.
The tradition of weak results of the Croatian national football team at the beginning of each qualifying cycle continued, but it is excessive to draw some conclusions based on one match.
Croatia has a better and more experienced team than Wales and Turkey, and don't forget that as a participant in the final tournament of the League of Nations, they have a guaranteed place in the additional qualification for the EURO even if they finish third in the group.
I don't think it will come to that and Croatia is still the favorite of this group. They should have routinely won this game, but they didn't have enough concentration at the end of the game and that decided the result.
It looks so but the fact that Wales took a point at Croatia home means they most likely will give them trouble when they will face Croatia at their home in the return leg.Also Turkey is not a weak team either despite being a team with a lot of volatility and a lot of inconsistency it can create problems to any team and they started with a win.The group is easy for Croatia when it comes to qualifying even if they are third in the group but I also do not believe that they will end third in this group.I doubt the players of Croatia will lose this last chance to win a trophy together and go to win the Euro 2024 as they are old and this will be the last tournament they will be playing together.
Why do you mention that the Croatian players are old and that the EURO will be their last competition together?
Personally, I think that only Modric among the current players will retire after the League of Nations or the EURO, and that all the other Croatian players will continue to play for the national team, including Kovacic, Brozovic, Kramaric and Perisic.
The rest of the team consists of young players who will play for the national team for a long time, such as Guardiol, Sosa, Stanisic, Vlasic, Majer, etc.
The Croatian national team has great talent and quality, and I think that at one of the following competitions they could go all the way and win the trophy, maybe already at EURO 2024, why not?
Tomorrow in Turkey, I expect a great match and a victory for Croatia, because the Croatian players will now be extra motivated for that match.