Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- The final Group L showdown between Croatia and Ghana determines both teams' fate in the tournament. Croatia, participating in their fifth consecutive World Cup and bronze medalists in 2022, face Ghana, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010. Victory is likely essential for both sides to advance to the knockout stage.
- Croatia's Luka Modrić, now 40, makes his fifth World Cup appearance with 198 caps and 29 goals for his country. The AC Milan playmaker's likely final dance on football's biggest stage sees him partner with Mateo Kovačić (32, Manchester City) in a veteran midfield combination that will be crucial to Croatia's progression.
- Ghana captain Jordan Ayew (34, Leicester City) leads the line with 117 caps and 33 international goals. Son of legend Abedi Pele and brother of André Ayew, the striker looks to combine with Premier League stars including Antoine Semenyo (26, Manchester City) in Ghana's attacking unit.
- Tactically, Croatia's 4-2-3-1 faces Ghana's 4-1-4-1 formation. Croatia's double pivot of Modrić and Kovačić orchestrates play from deep, with Nikola Vlašić (28, Torino) and Martin Baturina (23, Como) providing creativity in advanced positions. Ghana deploys Thomas Partey (33, Villarreal) as a lone anchor protecting the defense.
- Croatia holds powerful options on the bench in Joško Gvardiol (24, Manchester City) and Andrej Kramarić (35, Hoffenheim). Gvardiol emerged as a world-class center-back at Qatar 2022, while Kramarić brings 116 caps and 36 goals as a versatile striker who could change the game's complexion.
- Ghana's tactical wild card is Iñaki Williams (32, Athletic Bilbao). The homegrown Bilbao striker holds La Liga's consecutive appearance record of 251 matches and chose Ghana in 2022 after one Spain cap in 2016. His brother Nico plays for Barcelona, while Iñaki has 25 caps and 2 goals for the Black Stars.
- The goalkeeper battle features Croatia's Dominik Livaković (31, Dinamo Zagreb), whose legendary performance saving three penalties against Japan at Qatar 2022 remains fresh in memory. Ghana starts Benjamin Asare (33, Hearts of Oak), who recorded 12 clean sheets in 18 domestic matches to earn his 11 international caps.
- Experience could prove decisive. Croatia's Ivan Perišić (37, PSV Eindhoven) ranks second in all-time scoring with 154 caps and 38 goals, making his fourth World Cup appearance following 2014, 2018, and 2022. Ghana counters with Qatar 2022 veterans Gideon Mensah (27, Auxerre) and Alidu Seidu (26, Rennes) anchoring their defense.