Ghana Chase Historic Third Clean Sheet Against Croatia

Group L of the FIFA World Cup remains delicately poised as Croatia and Ghana prepare for a decisive showdown, with both nations still in contention to finish top of the group.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Croatia are favoured in 56.3% of simulations, but Ghana’s defensive resilience has made them one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

The Black Stars have kept clean sheets in their opening two matches against Panama and England, and no African nation has ever managed three at this stage of a World Cup.

Croatia bounced back from their 4-2 defeat to England with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama, secured by Ante Budimir’s strike.

At 34 years and 336 days, Budimir became Croatia’s oldest World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Ivica Olić’s record from 2014. Captain Luka Modrić also made his 21st World Cup appearance, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among the tournament’s most experienced players.

Despite the win, Croatia managed just six shots and two on target against Panama, their joint-fewest in a World Cup match they still went on to win.

That lack of attacking output will encourage Ghana, who frustrated England in a goalless draw. Defender Marvin Senaya set a national record with seven tackles, while goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was rarely troubled.

Jordan Ayew impressed with 71 high-intensity pressures, the second-most by any player in a single match at this World Cup.