Croatia
Ghana
Lincoln Financial Field hosts a genuine winner-takes-second in Group L, with Croatia and Ghana separated by just a point. Both have already secured their place in the last 32 regardless of this result, Ghana through their draw with England and Croatia by virtue of their head-to-head edge over Panama, but the final position still matters for who they meet in the next round.
Croatia — Vatreni
Luka Modric celebrated his 200th international cap with a winning performance against Panama, and the lineup pencilled in here keeps faith with Mateo Kovacic alongside him in midfield, the pairing that's now featured in back-to-back games. Up front, Petar Musa continues rather than handing a start to Ante Budimir, whose second-half introduction against Panama proved decisive last time out. Martin Baturina, who completed six dribbles and won seven fouls against Panama, the most by any player in a World Cup game since Diego Maradona in 1982, keeps his place behind the front line alongside Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.
Josko Gvardiol was below his best before being withdrawn at half-time against Panama but is expected to continue regardless, with no changes anticipated elsewhere at the back either, where Josip Sutalo, Josip Caleta-Car and Josip Stanisic complete the four protecting Dominik Livakovic. Croatia have conceded in seven straight matches before the Panama clean sheet, so don't expect Dalic to take any risks defensively here.
Ghana — Black Stars
Benjamin Asare has made the goalkeeper jersey his own since coming in for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi, with three crucial saves against England backing up a similarly strong showing against Panama. The back four of Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey and Marvin Senaya remains unchanged, and Thomas Partey, finally available after being denied entry into Canada for the opener, continues alongside Caleb Yirenkyi in a deeper role than some expected.
Kwasi Sibo retains the creative role ahead of them, with Inaki Williams winning the battle for the other wide spot over Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu and Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Antoine Semenyo the clear starter on the opposite side. Up front, Jordan Ayew, the 34-year-old captain with 33 goals in 120 caps, continues ahead of Semenyo dropping in as a false nine. Ghana haven't had a shot on target in the first half of any match at this tournament, a tendency Carlos Queiroz will be desperate to address.
Predicted Lineups
Group L Permutations
Both Croatia and Ghana have all but secured qualification regardless of this result. The fight is over second place: a win for either side secures it outright, while a draw is enough for Ghana given their head-to-head edge unless results elsewhere shift the picture. There's even a slim chance of either side leapfrogging England into top spot, Croatia at 12.1% and Ghana at 6.2% per Opta's supercomputer, but both would need England to lose or draw against Panama as well as a result here in their favour.
Key Battle
Martin Baturina vs Ghana's deep block. Ghana's whole approach against England and Panama alike has been built on disciplined defending and absorbing pressure. Baturina's creativity in tight spaces is exactly the kind of threat that can unlock a side sitting deep, and if he finds room, Croatia's front three should have enough quality to make it count.
Prediction
Ghana's defensive solidity has been the story of their tournament, and a third low-scoring game wouldn't surprise anyone. But Croatia have more individual quality in the final third than the sides Ghana have faced so far, and that edge should be enough to get the win that secures second spot.
Croatia 1–0 Ghana — Musa
⚽ Don't forget to submit your prediction at bantamtalk.com/predictionleague before kickoff!