Croatia faces Ghana knowing that it remains in contention for a spot in the World Cup’s “Round of 32,” thanks to its 1-0 victory over Panama following a 4-2 loss to England in its group opener.

In contrast, the “Black Stars” from Africa have managed to accumulate four points, thanks in part to the heroic and effective defense they displayed in their match against England in Boston.

Both national teams are looking for the result that will send them to the knockout stage of this year’s tournament, and if England drops points against Panama, Ghana even has a chance to finish at the top of Group 12!

The truth is that fans aren’t expecting anything spectacular, in terms of entertainment, in Philadelphia, since the Croatians and Ghanaians are focused on the result and are clearly “sacrificing” any desire to make a flashy impression at this point.

Croatia, as the 2018 runner-up and 2022 bronze medalist, even if only by a single point, appears set to achieve its goal of reaching the World Cup’s “Round of 32,” even if it has to settle for one of the best third-place finishes in the tournament. Simply put, Dalic and his players will need to be well-prepared to face the defense of Queiroz’s players, who… are as tough as nails!

Probable starting lineups

Croatia: Livaković, Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol, Modrić, Kovačić, Pašalić, Baturina, Perišić, Budimir

Ghana: Asare, Senaya, Anzetei, Opoku, Mensah, Yerenki, Partey, Sibo, Williams, Ayew, Semenio

*photo source: AP