Croatia and Ghana have both given themselves a genuine chance of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds, but neither side can afford to switch off heading into their final Group L clash.
After suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening game, Croatia bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama to move onto three points.
Ghana, meanwhile, made the perfect start by beating Panama before frustrating England in a disciplined goalless draw, leaving the Black Stars on four points alongside the group leaders.
That leaves the group finely balanced. Ghana know that avoiding defeat would be enough to secure a place in the Round of 32, while Croatia need all three points to guarantee automatic qualification.
A draw could still leave Zlatko Dalić’s side in contention as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, but that outcome would leave plenty to chance.
With England expected to take care of Panama in the other Group L fixture, both teams head to Philadelphia knowing the stakes could hardly be higher.
Croatia have the experience of navigating pressure on the biggest stage, while Ghana have looked organised, disciplined and difficult to break down throughout the tournament.
Something has to give, and with a place in the knockout rounds on the line, neither nation will be short of motivation.
How to watch Croatia vs Ghana
Croatia vs Ghana kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, June 27, at the Philadelphia Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV4 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be on Telemundo or Universo, with streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches are also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Croatia team news
Croatia are unlikely to make many changes after getting their World Cup campaign back on track against Panama.
Zlatko Dalić’s side responded well to their heavy defeat against England, producing a much more disciplined display to claim a vital 1-0 win. That result kept their qualification hopes alive and rewarded a more balanced approach.
With progression still in Croatia’s own hands, there is little reason to tear up a side that delivered under pressure.
Much of the attention will once again fall on Luka Modrić, who continues to dictate the tempo in midfield. Croatia will also hope for another solid defensive performance after keeping their first clean sheet of the tournament last time out.
The biggest challenge could be breaking down a Ghana side that has conceded just once in two matches and frustrated England.
Croatia created chances against Panama but may need to be more clinical if they are to book their place in the knockout rounds.
Croatia expected XI: Livaković – Stanišić, Pongračić, Gvardiol – Modric, Kovacic – Passalic, Baturina, Perisic – Musa.
Ghana team news
Ghana have quietly been one of the most impressive teams in Group L and head into their final match knowing they are in a strong position.
The Black Stars opened with a win over Panama before frustrating England in a disciplined goalless draw. Those four points leave them on the brink of the Round of 32, meaning they only need to avoid defeat to guarantee qualification.
Antoine Semenyo remains Ghana’s biggest attacking threats, while the defence has looked organised throughout the tournament. Their ability to stay compact and hit teams on the counter has caused problems for both opponents so far.
Croatia are expected to see plenty of the ball, but Ghana have already shown they are comfortable without possession. If they remain as disciplined as they were against England, they will fancy their chances of getting the result they need.
Ghana expected XI: Asare – Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah – Sibo, Partey, Yirenkyi – Williams, Ayew, Semenyo.
Croatia vs Ghana stats
- Croatia have scored three goals and conceded four across their first two group matches.
- Ghana have scored two goals and conceded just one, giving them one of the best defensive records in Group L.
- Croatia kept their first clean sheet of the tournament in the 1-0 win over Panama.
- Ghana have kept a clean sheet in their last World Cup match after drawing 0-0 with England.
- Croatia have won four of their last seven international matches in all competitions.
- Ghana have lost just one of their last six international matches.
- Three of Croatia’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Four of Ghana’s last six matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Croatia must win to guarantee a place in the Round of 32.
- Ghana only need to avoid defeat to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
Croatia vs Ghana prediction
Despite a rough start, Croatia have recovered well since their opening defeat to England, but this is comfortably their biggest test since that heavy loss.
The win over Panama kept their World Cup hopes alive, yet they now face a Ghana side that has looked organised, disciplined and difficult to break down throughout the group stage.
That changes the dynamic completely.
Croatia know only a victory guarantees a place in the Round of 32. Ghana, meanwhile, can afford to be patient. A draw is enough for the Black Stars, which means they have little reason to abandon the game plan that has already earned four points.
That could make for a tense contest.
Expect Croatia to dominate possession for long spells, with Luka Modrić looking to control the tempo and unlock Ghana’s defence. The problem is that clear-cut chances may be hard to come by against a side that has conceded just once in two matches.
Ghana also carry a threat on the counter-attack. Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew have the pace and quality to punish Croatia if they commit too many players forward in search of the goal they need.
Croatia have the experience of playing under pressure, but Ghana have looked the more balanced team so far in this tournament.
It would not be a surprise if Croatia enjoyed more of the ball, while Ghana created the better chances.
Expect a chess match rather than a shootout in this one.
Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Ghana
