Brazil vs Croatia - Friendlies

A fascinating Friendlies chapter awaits on April 1, 2026 when Brazil take on Croatia at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Maresca needs the qualitative depth to meet the demands of a season across 60-plus games.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Friendlies contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. That was the 3-2 loss to Manchester United in January of this year, which ended a 121-match run without letting in three goals.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Brazil favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Croatia are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman M. Sabitzer, whose 3 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Bournemouth have completed the signing of Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Friendlies table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.