No previous meetings between these teams.
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1
Martin Baturina1 - 2Petar Musa1
- 1
Yoel Bárcenas2 - 2Ismael Díaz2
- 3César Blackman2
- 4Jiovany Ramos2
- 5Josip Sutalo1
- 6Mario Pasalic1
- 7Carlos Harvey1
- 8Cecilio Waterman1
- 9Petar Sucic1
- 10Marco Pasalic1
- 1Cristian Martínez3
- 2Carlos Harvey2
- 3Amir Murillo2
- 4Andrés Andrade2
- 5Dominik Livakovic1
- 6Mario Pasalic1
- 7Josip Stanisic1
- 8Petar Sucic1
- 9Marco Pasalic1
- 10Martin Baturina1
- 1Ivan Perisic1
- 2Petar Sucic1
- 1Ivan Perisic4
- 2Amir Murillo3
- 3Carlos Harvey2
- 4Azarías Londoño2
- 5Orlando Mosquera1
- 6Josip Stanisic1
- 7Petar Sucic1
- 8Martin Baturina1
- 1José Córdoba91
- 2Jiovany Ramos81
- 3Andrés Andrade80
- 4Josip Sutalo63
- 5Yoel Bárcenas52
- 6Carlos Harvey45
- 7Josko Gvardiol43
- 8Luka Vuskovic37
- 9Petar Sucic35
- 10César Blackman33
- 1Jiovany Ramos2
- 2Yoel Bárcenas1
- 3Josip Sutalo1
- 4Josip Stanisic1
- 5José Córdoba1
- 6Ismael Díaz1
- 7Petar Sucic1
- 8Martin Baturina1
- 9Luka Vuskovic1
- 10Amir Murillo1
- 1Josip Sutalo2
- 2Ivan Perisic2
- 3Jiovany Ramos2
- 4Yoel Bárcenas1
- 5Josip Stanisic1
- 6César Blackman1
- 7Luka Vuskovic1
- 8Luka Modric1
- 9Nikola Vlasic1
- 10Azarías Londoño1
Panama and Croatia both look to strengthen their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages when they meet in Group L at 12am (UK time) on Wednesday. Our Panama vs Croatia predictions, best bets and team news are below.
Croatia made an entertaining start to the tournament, but defensive issues ultimately cost them in a 4-2 defeat to England. Meanwhile, Panama enjoyed a far more positive opening match, edging past Ghana 1-0 to claim three valuable points.
Best bets & predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia to Win & Under 4.5 Goals | 5/6 @ William Hill (54.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Croatia created a good amount of chances against England and can get their World Cup campaign back on track here. Zlatko Dalic admitted he got things wrong in their opener and we expect some changes to the starting XI and potential formation against Panama. Ghana could only manage a single goal against Panama in Matchday 1 and taking Croatia to win and under five goals in the game looks a nice way into the betting markets. |
| Mateo Kovacic to score from outside the box | 13/1 @ Coral (17.4%) | ⭐⭐ | Mateo Kovacic looks set to return to Croatia’s starting XI after making a substitute appearance against England. Zlatko Dalic has hinted that the experienced midfielder will play a bigger role here as Croatia search for their first points of the tournament. Although Kovacic is best known for his work in possession and ability to control games, he also carries a threat in the final third. The former Manchester City midfielder tested England with a shot on target and regularly looks to strike from distance when space opens up. Given his quality around the edge of the box, the 13/1 price for a goal from outside the area could prove generous. |
How both teams go into Panama vs Croatia
Panama were unfortunate to come away empty-handed from their opening match. Thomas Christiansen’s side matched Ghana for long periods and restricted them to very few clear chances, only to concede a late winner deep into stoppage time.
That defeat leaves Panama under pressure heading into this fixture. Another loss would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread, while victory would keep qualification firmly within reach. Christiansen’s men are also chasing history, with the nation still searching for its first point at a World Cup after losing all three matches on their only previous appearance in 2018.
Croatia suffered a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, losing 4-2 to England. While few teams can completely contain England’s attacking talent, Croatia will be concerned by how often they struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of the game.
Despite the defeat, Zlatko Dalic’s side remain in a strong position to challenge for qualification. Their experienced squad has a proven track record at major tournaments, having reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. With two group games remaining, Croatia know a positive result here would put their knockout hopes firmly back on track.
Panama team news
Panama have a couple of disciplinary concerns heading into this match, with Carlos Harvey and Cesar Blackman both one booking away from suspension. Therefore, another yellow card would rule either player out of the final group fixture.
Meanwhile, Thomas Christiansen is unlikely to make major changes after a competitive display against Ghana. Yoel Barcenas impressed in midfield and should retain his place, while Jiovany Ramos, Jose Cordoba and Andres Andrade are expected to continue in defence. Furthermore, Cecilio Waterman will again play a key role up front as Panama look to turn defensive resilience into attacking opportunities.
Croatia team news
Experience remains one of Croatia’s greatest strengths, and Luka Modric continues to lead by example.
Croatia could switch to a three-man midfield, with Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic joining Modric in the centre of the pitch. Further forward, Andrej Kramaric may earn a recall and could line up alongside Petar Musa and Ivan Perisic in attack.
Head-to-head
This will be the first ever meeting between Panama and Croatia.
Can Croatia get their World Cup campaign back on track?
Panama have shown enough organisation to suggest they will not make life easy for Croatia. Thomas Christiansen’s side are likely to stay compact, limit space in central areas and force their opponents to work hard for openings. However, Croatia’s quality and tournament pedigree could prove decisive. If Zlatko Dalic’s men maintain control and move the ball patiently, they should create chances as the match progresses. Take Croatia to win and under 4.5 goals at 5/6 with Coral.
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