Modric milestone as Croatia face Ghana in must-win clash

Win or go home, Saturday in Philadelphia

Croatia face Ghana on Saturday evening at Philadelphia Stadium, and only a win guarantees the round of 32 (2). The 4–2 defeat to England in the opener left no margin. A draw or worse means relying on other results.

Zlatko Dalic has the squad, Modric, Kovacic, Gvardiol, Budimir, Kramaric, Perisic, and young Martin Baturina are all available (2). No injuries reported.

Modric set for landmark night

Saturday marks a milestone for Luka Modric. The captain is set for a landmark appearance against Ghana, adding yet another chapter to an international career that refuses to fade.

Tuchel saw something in the England loss

Thomas Tuchel, now managing England, admitted his side "dropped too deep" and got a "wake-up call" against Croatia. That is worth remembering. Your team put four-time World Cup winners England under real pressure. The defensive structure leaked four goals, sure, but the attacking threat was real. Ghana will not sit as deep as England did (1) (3).

Ghana smell another upset

Ghana are on three points and believe they can spring a surprise (3). They are physical, quick in transition, and have nothing to lose. Croatia's back line, anchored by Gvardiol, needs to be sharper than it was against England. One lapse and the group is gone.