Croatia
Croatia responded well after a difficult start to the tournament. Their 4-2 defeat to England exposed defensive weaknesses that were rarely seen during qualification, but Zlatko Dalic’s side produced the response they needed by beating Panama 1-0.
Ante Budimir’s finish proved decisive, while the performance was far more controlled than the one against England. Croatia dominated possession, limited Panama to few meaningful opportunities and kept their qualification hopes firmly alive heading into the final group game.
Their qualifying campaign demonstrated exactly why they remain dangerous. Croatia won seven of their eight matches, scoring 26 goals while conceding only six, and they still possess one of the tournament’s most experienced midfields. Luka Modric is set to make his 201st international appearance, placing him among an elite group of players to have reached that milestone.
Alongside Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, Croatia have the quality to dictate possession, but they cannot afford another defensive performance like the one that saw England create 3.20 xG on Matchday 1.
Injuries & Team News
Croatia once again boast a fully-fit squad for matchday three, but Dalic has a critical selection dilemma to solve up front after Budimir’s winner off the bench against Panama, where he replaced Petar Musa at half time.
Musa and Josko Gvardiol – surprisingly off the pace against Panama – were both taken off during the break last time out, but there is little chance of the latter losing his spot in the starting XI.
While unable to replicate his cracking strike against England, tricky customer Martin Baturina completed six dribbles and won seven fouls against Panama, the first player to record those totals in a World Cup game since Diego Maradona in 1982.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs Panama | W L L W L W |
Predicted Line-Up
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Baturina, Pasalic, Perisic; Budimir
Ghana
Carlos Queiroz may have only been in charge of Ghana for a few months but he has made them one of the toughest teams to break down in this world cup. They are disciplined and organised and both Panama & England have struggled to create chances against them.
In the opening game against Panama it looked like it was going to end in stalemate but a Caleb Yirenkyi in the 95th Minutes was enough to claim all three points for the black stars.
It was supposed to be much tougher on Matchday 2 when they faced a fancied England side in Boston, it turned into a frustrating night for the three lions as Ghana were resiliant throughout and limited any clear cut chances for England until a Harry Kane miss in the 85th min. They fully deserved a 0-0 draw.
Injuries & Team News
Ghana were forced into a change in between the sticks against England, as Lawrence Ati Zigi was declared unfit owing to the muscle injury he picked up against Panama first up.
In his place, Benjamin Asare played a starring role on Wednesday with three crucial saves, and the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper should have done enough to hold his spot regardless of Ati Zigi’s condition.
Adu the substitute was then substituted himself in midweek, although that appeared to be a tactical alteration rather than an enforced one from Queiroz, who is expected to have all of his outfield options available.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-0 vs England | L L L D W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey, Sibo; Williams, Ayew, Semenyo
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia Win | 20/21 – (1.95) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 2/1 – (3.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Ghana Win | 9/2 – (5.50) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Croatia 1-1 Ghana
We are not guaranteed a thriller when Ghana are involved but they will be well set up and hard to beat. Croatia on the other hand you do know what you will get. A Draw will do for both teams and thats what we will see.