Croatia vs Bahrain Prediction, Tips & Odds – Jan. 23, 2023 18:00 CET
Antonio
Croatia vs Bahrain Prediction 23.01.2023. If they want to achieve the impossible and advance to the knockout round, Croatia will have to take care of business against Bahrain and hope for a miracle in the game between Denmark and Egypt.
After a disastrous opening against Egypt, ninth-place finish could mean salvation for the Croatian team. A win today over Bahrain would be crucial for them as it would secure a top 9 finish and leave their team in contention for the Olympic Games.
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Croatia vs Bahrain Odds
Croatia vs Bahrain 1×2: 1.06/21.61/12.08
Asian Handicap (-6.5/+6.5): 1.80/1.95
Total Over/Under (56.5): 1.85/1.85
Odds via Ivibet Sportsbook.
Croatia Team News
Since France host the upcoming Olympics, Croatia can still make the Olympic qualifiers by ending in ninth position at this World Championship. For example, if France manage to win the world title or enter the final at the upcoming Euro, it would create room for Croatia to enter the Olympic qualifiers as the ninth-best team from this tournament.
In addition, there is also a very realistic scenario which includes Egypt winning the title at the upcoming African Championship. The Egyptian team has already secured a top 7 finish in Sweden and Poland, which could potentially open up room for the Cowboys.
Compared to what Croatia need to make the quarter-final today, these scenarios sound more than realistic. For Croatia to progress, they will need to take down Bahrain and then hope for Egypt to beat Denmark by a large margin. This sounds improbable, so the final-round game will only bear 9th-place importance.
Bahrain Team News
The reigning Asian vice-champions are playing at a solid level at the World Championship and could pose a bigger threat to Croatia than Belgium. Their most notable results were a 30:28 win over Belgium in the initial group stage and a valiant effort in a 26:22 loss to Egypt two days ago.
Bahrain don´t have a single player from Europe and completely rely on the expertise of their Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjansson. With a limited roster at his disposal, special tactics he used only served to postpone the imminent defeat against Egypt, while something similar should happen against Croatia.
Croatia vs Bahrain H2H
21.01.21 – Croatia – Bahrain 28:18
16.01.19 – Croatia – Bahrain 32:20
09.04.16 – Croatia – Bahrain 33:22
Croatia vs Bahrain Prediction
Despite the heavy opening loss to Egypt, Croatia are still vying for a quarter-final spot. That spot looks like a real longshot as it would, for example, include a Danish loss against Egypt and a 20+ win over Bahrain. Another interesting scenario includes a heavy Danish loss and a routine Croatian victory against Bahrain.
All in all, Croatia really shouldn´t have any difficulties this Sunday, but the spread doesn´t look appealing for betting. Bahrain are an offensively limited side that plays slow-paced and defensive handball with plenty of contact. Croatia have been improving defensively as the tournament has been progressing and should easily stifle the Bahraini attack with their superior size and strength.
Tip-off Time: Monday, 23.01.2023. 18:00 CET
Prediction: Bahrain total: under 24.5
Odds: 1.95
Sportsbook: Ivibet
