The world runner-up debuted with a poor image and faced off with the disrespectful Canadian coach in some statements.
Croatia plays against itself and after against Canada. The World runner-up debuted with a poor game against Morocco, especially in attack, and with that level it will be difficult to get past the group stage. Croatia has an extra incentive against the North American team, after the Canadian coach, Herdman, referred with a profane expression “we are going to f … to Croatia” after losing against Belgium.
How Croatia arrives: The first game left some players marked in the Croatian team. And also physically affected as Nikola Vlasic and Kramaric, with injury in the right thigh, who was not particularly successful. Livaja could be the best option to replace the Hoffenheim striker. No changes are expected in the midfield with Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic, without good rhythm in the first game. The four defenders could be maintained, but in the Croatian concentration it is suspected that Lovren will replace to Sutalo.
How Canada arrives: The disgust has not yet passed after Canada missed the opportunity to get at least one point against Belgium. Above all, because the statistics are adding and diminishing the spirit of the Canadian team. It has four defeats, without having scored in the four World Cup matches in his history (Mexico 86 and Qatar 2022). The good image against Belgium, and the absence of injured, suggests that Herdman will repeat the same line up, to try to win for the first time in a World Cup.
The duel of the match: Modric vs. Eustaquio. Real Madrid’s number 10 continues is the reference of Croatian team and he controls all balls pass. Something similar happens with Eustaquio. The Porto midfielder is one of the most competitive footballers in a team that needs to take a step forward.
PROBABLE LINE UP
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvuardiol, Borna Sosa; Marcelo Brozóvic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Marko Livaja, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic
Canada: Milan Borjan; Alistair Johnston, Steven Vitoria, Kamal Miller; Richie Laryea, Atiba Hutchinson, Stephen Eustaquio, Alphonso Davies; Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hollett and Jonathan David
Referee: Andrés Matías (URU)
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium.
By Fernando Perez (Football Analyst, Spain)
Bengali