World Cup: Croatia v Brazil Free Bets, Betting Tips & Preview

Updated: July 03, 2023 at 6:05 pm GMT+1

The quarter-finals kick off on Friday afternoon and standing in Brazil’s way of a semi-final berth will be Croatia.

Brazil earned their place with a dominant display against South Korea earlier in the week as they surged to a 4-1 victory. Croatia, on the other hand, had to do things the harder way as they needed penalties to squeeze past a plucky Japan.

Croatia v Brazil Free Bets

Having reached the World Cup Final four years ago, Croatia would love to go deep in Qatar once again, and Luka Modric will need to be at his imperious best if they are going to have a chance.

Brazil, in the meantime, have received their fair share of plaudits, but there has also been some admonishment for the way they supposedly showboated against South Korea.

But how will this one unfold? We have rummaged through the markets and handpicked a couple of tips for you to chew over ahead of kick-off.

Croatia v Brazil Betting Tips

Brazil to cruise through

Against South Korea, Brazil’s performance verged on the balletic, and there were moments of brilliance that underlined their evening’s work.

The South American giants are looking to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup for the ninth time, with only Germany (12) getting to that stage of the tournament more often.

There has been plenty to admire about the Selecao from back to front, and everything seems to be clicking for them.

What may be disconcerting for all those connected to Brazil, is that they have lost each of their past five World Cup knockout matches against European nations, and that included three quarter-final clashes.

But then again, Brazil have been virtually impenetrable at times, while Croatia have conceded the opening goal in six of their last eight World Cup matches.

While the win to nil market doesn’t offer much value, the Correct Score section appears to be more appetising. And it certainly helps when Paddy Power is offering 15/2 for Brazil to chalk up a 3-0 win to advance to the semi-finals.

Neymar to bag a double

Invariably, Neymar makes his mark when he pulls on the Brazil colours, and he has been prolific of late for his country.

Indeed, 15 goal contributions in his last 11 outings for the national side (eight goals and six assists) pay testament to this point.

Moreover, against South Korea, he became just the third Brazilian player to score at three World Cups.

Currently, Neymar is one shy of Pele’s all-time goals record for Brazil (77), and I have a hunch Neymar will pull clear with a majestic double of his own.

Surprisingly, his last six goals have arrived from the penalty spot, especially when you consider what a threat he is from open play.

While there aren’t odds posted for Neymar to score from the spot, you might be inclined to wager on him to score a double, which is trading at a juicy 7/1 with William Hill.