Croatia face Panama with World Cup hopes on the line

Panama is now a must-win

Croatia face Panama on Tuesday knowing nothing less than a result will do. The 4–2 defeat to England in the Group L opener was messy defensively, but Tuchel's side showed they can hurt teams going forward. Modric is set for a landmark appearance, his presence in midfield will be vital against a Panama side that also knows a win here puts them in control of their own fate.

The math is simple: lose, and the knockout stage looks like a long shot. Win, and the group opens right up with Ghana also on three points.

The England loss, up close

Croatia's attack was not the problem against England. Four goals conceded tells the real story. Tuchel noted England "dropped too deep" and called it a "wake-up call", reading between the lines, he saw enough on the ball to believe his team can trouble anyone. The question is whether the back line can hold up under tournament pressure.

Bellingham ran the show for England, and Rice later revealed he has been managing hamstring nerve pain since Christmas. Croatia made them work for it, but moral victories do not put points on the board.