Croatia vs Ghana: a match where the price of a mistake could be too high - 28.06.2028
On June 28, Group L will witness perhaps the most intriguing clash of the final round. While England is still the main favorite for top spot, it’s the Croatia vs Ghana showdown that could ultimately decide who advances directly to the playoffs and who will be left hoping for a wildcard berth among the best third-place finishers.
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The stakes could not be higher going into the last round. Ghana sits on four points after a hard-fought win over Panama (1-0) and a solid draw with England (0-0). Croatia has three points: after a painful defeat to England (2-4), Zlatko Dalić’s men bounced back with a narrow victory over Panama (1-0). That makes this encounter absolutely crucial for both sides.
What’s most interesting is that both teams can approach this match with different game plans. Ghana is comfortable playing cautious football—their defense has looked rock-solid at this tournament, conceding just one goal in two matches. Carlos Queiroz’s side is disciplined, rarely overcommitting, and expertly exploits their strengths in transitional play. That’s the approach that helped the “Black Stars” shut down England, who had previously put four past Croatia.
Croatia’s situation is a bit more complicated. A win would all but guarantee a playoff spot, while a draw leaves plenty of permutations and could force them to rely on goal difference and results elsewhere. That’s why it’s unlikely the Balkan side will sit deep and just defend, but don’t expect them to throw everything forward from the opening whistle either.
Of course, once again, all eyes are on Luka Modrić. This World Cup is the legendary midfielder’s fifth, and the captain remains the key orchestrator for Croatia. But age is inevitably catching up, and Dalić’s side is increasingly relying not just on experience, but also on young talents who are beginning to lead the new generation.
For Ghana, their main weapon remains speed. Semenyo can change the game single-handedly, and the entire attacking line is a major threat on the counter. If Croatia get too involved in positional attacks, space will open up—and that’s exactly what Ghana will look to exploit.
As for the nature of the game, don’t expect a wide-open contest. There’s simply too much at stake. Every mistake could mean elimination, so it’s likely both teams will play it safe for long stretches, with the outcome possibly decided by a single moment of brilliance, a set piece, or an individual effort.
On paper, Croatia looks like the more experienced side, but Ghana has already proven in this tournament that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. That’s why this match could well be one of the tensest of the final group round—not packed with chances, but loaded with tension right up to the final whistle.
My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
Probable lineups:
- Croatia: Livaković, Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol, Modrić, Kovačić, Pašalić, Baturina, Perišić, Musa.
- Ghana: Asare, Mensah, Opoku, Adjetey, Senaya, Sibo, Partey, Yirenkyi, Semenyo, Ayew, Williams.
