| Sportsbook | Croatia | Draw | Ghana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betovo | 1.6 | 4.12 | 6 |
| Zoccer | 1.62 | 4 | 6.25 |
| Sports Interaction | 1.59 | 3.81 | 5.52 |
| Goals | Over 2.5 | Under 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best | 2.08 | 1.83 |
Croatia have already beaten Panama and arrive at this game with the luxury of needing only a draw to progress. That tactical comfort suits Modrić’s game perfectly — he will set Croatia’s tempo, slow the game down when needed, and look for the decisive moment rather than chase the game. Kovačić provides the defensive cover that allows Croatia to stay compact and transition efficiently. Their 4-3-3 is a well-oiled machine at this stage and they have enough quality to manage any result they need. The risk here is complacency in the first 20 minutes before they establish their rhythm. Why this matters: Croatia at ~1.62 is correct for a team that rarely loses at this stage of tournaments.
Ghana need a win to stay alive and will push forward from the first whistle. Mohammed Kudus‘ directness and dribbling ability in wide areas is their most dangerous weapon — he will isolate Croatia’s left back and look to cut inside. Thomas Partey, if fit, gives Ghana a genuine platform in midfield to compete for the ball. Jordan Ayew’s tenacity up front will make Lovren and Gvardiol work hard. Ghana’s aggression from the start might surprise Croatia initially, but Croatia’s experience of managing tournament knockout situations means they will absorb the early pressure and find the game’s decisive moments. Why this matters: Ghana at 6.25 is a reflection of the quality gap — but the draw at 4.00 is worth considering given Croatia’s potential comfort.
Modrić will control this game’s tempo from start to finish. Ghana’s aggressive early press will be absorbed patiently before Croatia find the spaces between Ghana’s midfield and backline. Kramarić will finish when the chance arrives. Ghana’s limited chance-creation against Croatia’s organised defence will leave them without a route back into the game. Croatia to win to nil at ~2.10 is the premium market here.
Cole Gallagher covers soccer betting for WorldCupBetting.ca, specialising in match predictions, odds analysis and tournament futures. Based in Toronto, he has followed the Canadian men’s national team since their 2022 qualifying campaign and brings a line-shopping, data-first approach to every pick.