Croatia
Croatia have the better players in this one, and I think Dalic will rely on the same press resistant midfield that ran the game for long periods against England until defensive mistakes let them down. Modric, now 40, wears the armband and sets the pace next to Mateo Kovacic, who is back to fitness after Achilles surgery, while Josko Gvardiol is fully over his shin fracture and started the first game. What worries me is the defence, which let in four goals last time, but Panama offered no real threat against Ghana, so I expect Croatia to keep the ball and keep the danger under control. Anything less than a win and qualification is out of their hands.
Expected Lineup: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Sucic, Kovacic, Modric Perisic; Pasalic, Musa, Baturina.
Panama
Panama are all about intensity under Thomas Christiansen, pressing high up the pitch and going direct as soon as they get the ball back. Marseille full back Michael Amir Murillo brings real top level experience on the right, and up front Ismael Diaz, Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman have all shown they can score in Concacaf. The trouble is they never really tested Ghana despite having lots of the ball, with not a single shot in the first half, and that lack of bite concerns me against a much better team. After losing their first game, Panama have to get something here or their World Cup is as good as finished.
Expected Lineup: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Martinez Blackman; Barcenas, Waterman, Rodriguez.
