Panama vs Croatia Predicted Lineups & Team News

After opening defeats, both Panama and Croatia will be targeting three points when the World Cup Group L rivals meet in Toronto.

Croatia will have to recover from their 4-2 loss to England, while Panama suffered late heartbreak in a 1-0 defeat against Ghana.

Which players will the managers pick though? Let’s investigate with the team news, key players and Predicted Lineups ahead of Panama vs Croatia. 

Panama

Panama were beaten 1-0 by Ghana in their opening World Cup contest, but the performance indicated that the Canal Men may be capable of sailing to victory against Croatia.

Manager Thomas Christiansen set his side up in a 3-4-3 formation against the Black Stars and that's likely to be the approach against Croatia.

Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla was named on the Panama bench in their 1-0 loss to Ghana, but the 27-year-old is a doubt for the Toronto clash.

Jiovany Ramos and Andres Andrade were excellent at the back against Ghana and that defensive duo are likely to line up alongside Jose Cordoba in a strong back three.

Amir Murillo offers a good outlet on the right-hand side, while the experienced Cecilio Waterman is set to lead the line.

Croatia

Croatia conceded four goals against England and Zlatko Dalic could move to a back four against Panama.

Josip Stanisic could fall in at right-back, with Josko Gvardiol on the left and Luka Vuskovic and Josip Sutalo at centre-back.

A re-shaped midfield may see Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic start alongside captain Luka Modric in the central area.

Andrej Kramaric could be preferred in the central striking role, with Martin Baturina and Ivan Perisic flanking the Hoffenheim man.

Croatia will be targeting three points in Toronto with qualification for the knockout rounds potentially on the line and Dalic can’t afford another defensive collapse against Panama.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Panama vs Croatia Odds over on betfred.com

Panama vs Croatia Key Players:

Amir Murillo

Much of Panama's good work against Ghana came from the right-hand side and Murillo. The Besiktas man made seven defensive contributions, created three chances and won four fouls in the 1-0 loss to the Black Stars.

The 30-year-old has the workrate to shine from a wing-back position, which could be a useful attribute against an aged Croatia outfit.

Luka Modric

Modric is in the twilight of his career, but the 40-year-old continues to control the Croatia midfield.

The former Real Madrid man no longer has the engine to get up and down the pitch, but he can still set the tempo of play and get Croatia up the pitch.

Modric completed all of his 27 attempted passes in Croatia’s 4-2 loss to England and the 40-year-old will be key to any success against Panama.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com