Brazil Takes On Croatia in International Friendly: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups

Brazil and Croatia wrap up their March international windows by meeting for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 2018 runners-up were considered underdogs at the previous tournament, yet defied expectations by advancing to the semifinals. Five-time world champions Brazil fell victim along the way, with Croatia eliminating the Seleção via a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals after Bruno Petković equalized against Neymar's breathtaking opener in extra time.

Still under the guidance of veteran manager Zlatko Dalić, Croatia bounced back from a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign to qualify comfortably for this summer's tournament, and they head into Tuesday's friendly on the heels of an impressive 2–1 win over Colombia.

Brazil, by contrast, endured a grueling qualification campaign filled with turbulence, and were beaten by European opposition at the start of this international break. The Seleção were thoroughly outplayed by France at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, falling 2–1 despite Dayot Upamecano's red card at the beginning of the second half.

Brazil vs. Croatia Score Prediction

Croatia Frustrate Depleted Brazil

Croatia recovered superbly from going behind early against Colombia, and now they're chasing a first-ever victory over Brazil within 90 minutes.

With the Seleção fielding a squad that appears noticeably weaker compared to the side expected to feature in North America this summer, the Europeans have a genuine opportunity to claim another significant scalp and build momentum heading into a tournament where they've consistently performed well.

Brazil, meanwhile, cannot afford consecutive defeats. While Croatia sit just four spots below them in FIFA's world rankings, Ancelotti will be aware that he faces intense scrutiny at this early stage if his side are comfortably beaten on Tuesday night.

Prediction: Brazil 1–1 Croatia

Brazil Predicted Lineup vs. Croatia

Brazil have been hit by two significant injury blows following the loss to France. After news broke that Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury sidelining him for the next five weeks, Vinicius Junior's availability for Tuesday's match was also thrown into question.

The Real Madrid forward missed weekend training sessions due to hamstring tightness, and Los Blancos will be eager for their former boss, Ancelotti, to err on the side of caution. Vini Jr may be restricted to a substitute appearance in Orlando.

A reshuffled forward line could see Endrick partner João Pedro, while promising youngster Rayan is in the frame to earn his first Brazil cap. Matheus Cunha is expected to retain his place.

Brazil are missing the likes of Alisson and Gabriel this month, and Bento may be handed a start in goal against Croatia after Ederson featured on Thursday. The central defensive partnership is likely to remain the same given the limited options available.

Brazil predicted lineup vs. Croatia (4-2-3-1): Bento; Ibañez, Bremer, Pereira, Kaiki; Casemiro, Santos; Rayan, João Pedro, Cunha; Endrick.

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs. Brazil

Dalić previously favored a 4-3-3, but Croatia's coach has smartly adapted to suit the players at his disposal. He's expected to deploy a 3-5-2 against Brazil, enabling him to dominate the midfield while maintaining two attacking threats up front.

Veteran Ivan Perišić continues to show no signs of decline and has long excelled as a wing-back at club level. Luka Modrić could also earn a starting berth after coming off the bench against Colombia. While Ivan Rakitić and Marcelo Brozović are no longer available alongside Modrić, Croatia is fortunate to have another talented generation of midfield playmakers at their disposal.

Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić could feature in Dalić's midfield engine room for this fixture.

Teenage centre-back sensation Luka Vušković is one to watch in Orlando, having netted in the 2–1 victory over Colombia.

Croatia predicted lineup vs. Brazil (3-5-2): Livaković; Stanišić, Pongračić, Vušković; Pašalić, Baturina, Sučić, Modrić, Perišić; Kramarić, Budimir.

What Time Does Brazil vs. Croatia Kick Off?

How to Watch Brazil vs. Croatia on TV, Live Stream