FT · World: International Friendly · Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Croatia 02 BelgiumMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Croatia
02
Belgium win
Belgium
> Model verdict
✗ Result against the lean

Pre-match, Bawler had Croatia at 37%, draw at 31%, Belgium at 32%. Against expectation, the match finished 0-2. The model's headline call was Croatia to win.

> Pre-match probability vs result
Croatia win
37%
Draw
31%
Belgium win
32%
Actual ✓
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.471.37
Total 2.84
Actual
02
Total 2 (-0.8 vs xG)

Match underperformed xG by 0.8 goals. Below-expectation scoring — could be wasteful finishing, strong goalkeeping, or low-quality chances the model over-rated.

> Bawler's picks · how they landed
Banker
X2
Pre-match: 75%
✓ Won
Value
BTTS Yes
Pre-match: 50%
✗ Lost
Dark Horse
Over 3.5 Goals
Pre-match: 26%
✗ Lost
> What we said pre-match
"Croatia's home draw appeal hinges on near-parity in expected output (1.47 vs 1.37 xG), making X2 the banker at 75% combined draw-or-away probability."

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