- Tactical note: The Black Stars rely on quick counterattacks and are not going to get the ball as much against Croatia.
- Player form: Baturina has made a strong start to the World Cup, notching 1 goal in his first 1 match in Philadelphia Stadium, USA.
- Key player: Ghana's most important player is Yirenkyi, who has scored 1 goal in the World Cup and 2 goals in his last 5 games for his country.
Not an easy matchup for both teams
It's a interesting matchup in Philadelphia on Saturday as Ghana, who currently sit 2nd in the group with 3 points from their opening win, face Croatia, who are currently bottom of FIFA World Cup, Group L 2026 with 0 points from 1 game.
Carlos Queiroz's Ghana are compact and disciplined, they have a clear plan and the coach is a master of pragmatism. It's not the most exciting style of play, but it works for them and they won't be outclassed by Croatia. They have no choice but to play counterattacking and their counterattacks are organized and can be dangerous.
Croatia can break through
Matchup analysis
But Zlatko Dalic's side are the favorites for a reason and should have enough about them to edge this matchup. Croatia are the more skilled team but they are inconsistent and have been known to show frailty against the top sides.
Recent form
The Two-time World Cup finalists' form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last 5 matches across all competitions. They were beaten 4-2 by England away from home in the World Cup, then beat Slovenia 2-1 at home, and they were defeated 0-2 by Belgium at home in their previous friendly.
Don't expect a lot of goals
The odds of 1.62 for Croatia in this match are fair enough, but we're getting on the 'Under 2.5 goals' market at 1.79 as that suits both sides – Ghana's style of defense and Croatia's need to build up their attacks.
A win for Ghana would be a huge upset but we are sticking with the Croatians here as they should be able to break the Black Star's defense and they are clearly the better team. Ghana are winless in their last 4 away games, drawing 1 and losing 3.
- Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales away in a friendly before edging Panama 1-0 at home in their World Cup opener.
- Martin Baturina leads the line for Croatia with 1 goal in 1 match so far, he is off to a good start.
- Ivan Perisic has made a decent contribution with 1 assist, and his experience is vital to Dalic's midfield, which is the area where the game is won or lost for Croatia.
