Luka Modric’s Croatia will face Ghana on Saturday in Philadelphia to secure a spot in the Round of 16 and extend their star captain’s World Cup run in what is expected to be a tense and closely contested match that will determine the final standings in Group L.
With England considered the clear favorite in New York against an already-eliminated Panama, the match between the “Ajedrezados” and the “Black Stars”—taking place at the same time at Lincoln Financial Field —is seen as crucial in determining second and third place. A draw would guarantee at least second place for Queiroz’s team, while leaving the Croatians with four points and at the mercy of the results of other third-place teams.
Modric Leads Croatia in a Decisive Match
It is therefore to be expected that Zlatko Dalic’s team will come out determined to take home the three points and rely on Modric to lead the way.
At age 40, he will play his 201st match after joining this week the select group of soccer players (Messi, Cristiano, and Al-Mutawa) who have played more than 200 matches for their national teams.
Croatian morale is also on the rise.
Although they lost their rhythm in the second half of their debut against England, the Balkan team managed to eke out a narrow victory on Monday against a Panama side that proved tougher than expected (Filed under: Croatia vs. Ghana).
Ghana hopes to pull off an upset
Ghana, which entered the World Cup without the fanfare of the two European teams in Group L and amid the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey, also followed suit against Panama on the first matchday.
After gritting their teeth through a hard-fought match, they secured the win with a lone goal by Caleb Yirenki in stoppage time.
Against England, they also proved to be a tough nut to crack for Thomas Tuchel’s team, which had been buoyed by its 4-2 victory over Croatia on the first matchday.
This Saturday, the controversy surrounding Partey—who was denied entry by Canada to play in the team’s debut against Panama—will once again weigh against him.
Apparently because the Villarreal midfielder is facing trial in the United Kingdom for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting several women.
El partido se llevará a cabo en Filadelfia
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Paradoxically, if Ghana manages a draw or a win against Croatia, it will finish in second place in the group.
This means she will face the winner of the K in the Canadian city of Toronto, where it is believed that Partey will once again be unable to travel.
Ultimately, it all comes down to whether the players coached by Carlos Queiroz can capitalize on the advantage they hold over a Croatian team that will take the field with even greater determination.
For their part, the “Ajedrezados” must once again rely on Luka Modric’s seemingly inexhaustible genius to advance to the next round and continue to add to their captain’s legend.
Probable Lineups
Croatia: Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanisić, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovacic; Marco Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Ivan Perisić; and Ante Budimir.
Head Coach: Zlatko Dalic.
Ghana: Benjamin Asare; Baba Rahman, Marvin Seneya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew; and Iñaki Williams.
Head Coach: Carlos Queiroz.
Referee: Drew Fischer, from Canada.
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia (U.S.).
Time: 5:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. GMT).
With information from EFE
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