BW Arabia United Arab Emirates - Croatia vs Ghana: World Cup Group L Round 3
C
GHT 1 – 0
Croatia
4-2-3-1
Zlatko Dalic
CHT: 1 – 0
GGhana
4-1-2-3
Carlos Queiroz
Updated:
Current Score
1 – 0
Half Time
1 – 0
Goal Scorers
Ivan Perisic
Home
In: Igor Matanovic
Out: Ante Budimir
In: Kojo Peprah Oppeng
Out: Jonas Adjei Adjetey
In: Abdul Issahaku
Out: Elisha Owusu
Petar Sucic
Assist: Mateo Kovacic
World Cup Group L
Panama vs England
Petar Sucic
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Midfielder
Assists
BallPossession
Corners
CounterAttacks
Fouls
FreeKicks
GoalAttempts
GoalKicks
Goals
Offsides
RedCards
Saves
ShotsOffTarget
ShotsOnTarget
Substitutions
ThrowsIn
Treatments
YellowCards
Attacks
DangerousAttacks
TotalPasses
Croatia
4-2-3-1 · Zlatko Dalic
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Bench (15)
Ghana
4-1-2-3 · Carlos Queiroz
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Bench (15)
BW Arabia United Arab Emirates - Croatia vs Ghana Match Preview, Prediction and Tactical Analysis
World Cup Group L Round 3 at Lincoln Financial Field, USA
World Cup Group L reaches Round 3 at Lincoln Financial Field on 2026-06-27 with Croatia and Ghana arriving from sharply different opening positions. Croatia are 4th on 0 points after 1 match, with 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 2 goals for, 4 against, and a goal difference of -2. Ghana are 2nd on 3 points after 1 match, with 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 1 goal for, 0 against, and a goal difference of 1. For readers in the United Arab Emirates, the contrast gives this fixture real weight before the first whistle.
Croatia's numbers under Zlatko Dalic tell a story of urgency rather than comfort. The 4th-place position and 0 points leave no room to absorb another setback, especially with 4 goals conceded already against only 2 scored. That balance points to a side that will need sharper control across the match if it is to change the shape of its campaign. The stakes are clear because the table is already split after 1 game, and Croatia must respond to the pressure created by that opening loss.
Ghana arrive with Carlos Queiroz able to point to a cleaner opening line. Their 2nd-place standing, 3 points, 1 win, and 0 goals against give them a platform that Croatia have not yet built. The away side's goal difference of 1 is modest, but it is still positive, and that matters in a compact early table where small margins can define the next step. For fans in the United Arab Emirates following World Cup Group L, Ghana's start offers a disciplined baseline from which to approach this Round 3 meeting.
Match dynamics will therefore be shaped by the contrast between Croatia's need and Ghana's early stability. Croatia's 2 goals for suggest they can find routes forward, but 4 against show the cost of losing control at the other end. Ghana's record of 1 goal for and 0 against suggests a more measured approach, one that has already delivered 3 points. At Lincoln Financial Field, that tension between Croatia's urgency and Ghana's protection of a clean sheet shape will define the rhythm of the contest.
- Croatia are 4th with 0 points, 0 wins, and a -2 goal difference, so the pressure from Round 3 is immediate.
- Ghana are 2nd with 3 points, 1 win, and 0 goals conceded, which gives Carlos Queiroz a stronger starting platform.
- The numbers at Lincoln Financial Field point to a clash between Croatia's 4 goals against and Ghana's 0 goals against.
- For viewers in the United Arab Emirates, the early table context gives this World Cup Group L meeting added significance before kickoff.
Croatia's 2 goals for and Ghana's 1 goal for show that both teams have already produced enough in attack to influence the game, but the balance of 0 points against 3 points makes the momentum lean toward the visitors. Zlatko Dalic will need his side to narrow the gap between what it creates and what it allows, because the 4 goals conceded are already a warning. Ghana, by contrast, can lean on the confidence of 1 match without defeat and a defensive record that has not been breached.
In United Arab Emirates viewing terms, this is the sort of Group L fixture that invites close attention because the table can shift quickly with one result in Round 3. Croatia's position and negative goal difference create the pressure, while Ghana's 3 points and clean defensive line create the platform. Lincoln Financial Field provides the setting, but the more important backdrop is the early separation already visible in the standings. The next step in World Cup Group L will belong to the side that best handles that imbalance.
Author
BW Arabia Editorial Team - Sports Analysis UnitThe BW Arabia Editorial Team delivers expert sports analysis, match insights, and data-driven coverage across regional and global competitions.
When is kickoff in United Arab Emirates?
Croatia vs Ghana kicks off at 21:00 UTC in United Arab Emirates.
Where can I watch in United Arab Emirates?
Local broadcast partners for United Arab Emirates have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official United Arab Emirates broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Which players are injured or suspended?
There are no listed injuries or suspensions for Croatia or Ghana.
What is the head-to-head record?
Croatia and Ghana have not recorded a win, draw, or loss against each other in the last 8 meetings listed here.
What competition and round is this?
This is World Cup Group L Round 3 at Lincoln Financial Field in USA.
Home · Goal
In: Kojo Peprah Oppeng
Out: Jonas Adjei Adjetey
Ghana · Substitution
In: Abdul Issahaku
Out: Elisha Owusu
Ghana · Substitution
In: Igor Matanovic
Out: Ante Budimir
Croatia · Substitution
Home · Yellow Card
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Yellow card for Ivan Perisic
Ivan Perisic is shown a yellow card by the referee
The referee signals a free kick as Ivan Perisic from Croatia trips Abdul Fatawu
Kwasi Sibo makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Today's attendance is 68324
Goal kick for Croatia
Ante Budimir is leaving the field to be replaced by Igor Matanovic in a tactical substitution.
Josip Sutalo from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jordan Ayew swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Josip Stanisic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Derrick Luckassen wins an air challenge against Ante Budimir
Ball possession: Croatia: 51%, Ghana: 49%.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Josip Sutalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Kamaldeen Sulemana makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Petar Sucic could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Show all 184 entries
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Ghana: 50%.
Dangerous challenge by Jordan Ayew from Ghana. Dominik Livakovic on the receiving end of that.
Marin Pongracic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Luka Modric successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Kamaldeen Sulemana is blocked
Dominik Livakovic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jordan Ayew swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Luka Modric from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ante Budimir is penalised for pushing Derrick Luckassen
Derrick Luckassen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Safe hands from Benjamin Asare as he comes out and claims the ball
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ivan Perisic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana is ruled offside
Abdul Fatawu makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mateo Kovacic could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Goal kick for Croatia
Ante Budimir from Croatia commits a foul by elbowing Marvin Senaya
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Kamaldeen Sulemana makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Josip Sutalo from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Marvin Senaya makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Marvin Senaya makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Abdul Fatawu fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Elisha Owusu is leaving the field to be replaced by Abdul Fatawu in a tactical substitution.
Jonas Adjetey is leaving the field to be replaced by Kojo Peprah Oppong in a tactical substitution.
The second half is underway
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Croatia: 54%, Ghana: 46%.
Goal kick for Ghana
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Derrick Luckassen from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Thomas Partey is penalised for pushing Petar Sucic
The fourth official shows there are 3 minute(s) of time to be added
Elisha Owusu makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Nikola Vlasic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Jonas Adjetey from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The cross by Petar Sucic from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Nikola Vlasic from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Gideon Mensah
Goal kick for Croatia
Martin Baturina from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Antoine Semenyo wins an air challenge against Ivan Perisic
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana sends a shot inches wide of the post. Close!
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Josip Sutalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Goal kick for Ghana
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Elisha Owusu successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Mateo Kovacic is blocked
Gideon Mensah from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Croatia: 48%, Ghana: 52%.
Dangerous challenge by Kwasi Sibo from Ghana. Martin Baturina on the receiving end of that.
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ivan Perisic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Mateo Kovacic provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Petar Sucic from Croatia beats the keeper from outside the box with the right foot!
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ivan Perisic sends a header towards goal, but Benjamin Asare is there to comfortably save it
The cross by Luka Modric from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Ball possession: Croatia: 48%, Ghana: 52%.
The referee signals a free kick as Elisha Owusu from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Mateo Kovacic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Marvin Senaya wins an air challenge against Martin Baturina
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The game is restarted
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Ball possession: Croatia: 49%, Ghana: 51%.
The referee signals a free kick as Ante Budimir from Croatia trips Thomas Partey
Derrick Luckassen makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Thomas Partey makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Elisha Owusu could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Luka Modric
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Ghana
A chance presents itself to Marin Pongracic from Croatia but his header goes wide
Marin Pongracic wins an air challenge against Jonas Adjetey
The cross by Luka Modric from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Kwasi Sibo from Ghana goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Petar Sucic
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Ghana: 50%.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for Ghana
Close! Nikola Vlasic with a great hit from long range that bounces off the post!
Croatia start a counter attack
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Derrick Luckassen wins an air challenge against Ante Budimir
Nikola Vlasic wins an air challenge against Kamaldeen Sulemana
Ball possession: Croatia: 42%, Ghana: 58%.
Kwasi Sibo from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Derrick Luckassen from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Gideon Mensah makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Josip Sutalo makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 45%, Ghana: 55%.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Elisha Owusu from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Martin Baturina makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Nikola Vlasic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ball possession: Croatia: 66%, Ghana: 34%.
The referee signals a free kick as Kamaldeen Sulemana from Ghana trips Petar Sucic
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Croatia are in control of the ball.
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
Cloudy conditions overhead at the moment.
Croatia kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Before we get underway, the players and crowd observe a minute's silence.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, the match will start in about 5 minutes.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field where the two teams take the field for the start of this match.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field where we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two teams
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, where we await the arrival of today's teams.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, now all we need are the two teams.
Welcome to today's crucial game from Lincoln Financial Field. We are awaiting the arrival of both teams, in anticipation of a great match!
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
England
Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2 |
Ghana
Possible Qualification to next stage
Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 |
Croatia
Qualification to next stage
Possible Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 |
Panama
Possible Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Petar Sucic
Midfielder · Bosnia-Herzegovina
Panama vs England
