Croatia beat Panama after three defeats in four matches
Ghana frustrated England to stay second in Group L
Recommended bet: Croatia to win to nil @ 31/20
Croatia and Ghana meet in Philadelphia on Saturday with both nations aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
Zlatko Dalic’s side are third in Group L after picking up three points against Panama following an opening game defeat by England.
Ghana are tied on four points with the Three Lions after holding Harry Kane and Co to a goalless draw days after kicking off their tournament with a late victory over the Canal Men.
The winner of Saturday’s match will go through to the last 32, while a draw would see Ghana seal second place and Croatia likely among the eight best third-placed teams also progressing to the knockouts.
See the latest Croatia vs Ghana odds on LiveScore Bet
Team News
Croatia have no fresh injury worries but manager Dalic will have to decide whether to start Ante Budimir after the striker came off the bench to score the winner against Panama.
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has returned after a groin issue forced him off against Panama in the Black Stars’ opening World Cup match.
However Benjamin Asare, who deputised between the sticks, is expected to hold on to his place in the team after keeping a clean sheet against England.
The latest Croatia vs Ghana odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The Stats
Croatia have lost three of their last five matches, suffering defeats to England, Belgium and Brazil.
Ghana are yet to concede at the World Cup, keeping clean sheets against Panama and England.
Croatia have found the back of the net in eight of their last nine games.
The last four matches involving Ghana have featured two goals or fewer.
Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018, losing to France.
The Black Stars are looking to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals.
See the latest Croatia vs Ghana odds on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Croatia face Ghana in Philadelphia and know that a victory would guarantee their place in the World Cup knockouts.
A draw would see the Blazers stay third and while four points should prove enough to advance, Croatia will want to take charge of the situation and get the job done with a victory.
Ghana frustrated England and have impressed at the back, keeping two clean sheets and earning four points after scoring a late winner against Panama in their opener.
However, the Black Stars might have to throw caution to the wind in the third and final group game and will certainly have to attack if Croatia take the lead.
Croatia have lost three of their last five games but against quality opposition. Failing to score just once in their last nine games, Dalic’s team will aim to deny Ghana a third clean sheet and score to win the game.
The last four matches featuring the Black Stars have yielded two goals or fewer and so a narrow Croatia win seems most likely. Backing a Blazers victory without conceding could prove a smart play.
Score prediction: Croatia 1-0 Ghana
Back Croatia to win to nil @ 31/20 LiveScore Bet
