Both sides began their World Cup campaign with a defeat — Croatia losing 4-2 to England and Panama 1-0 to Ghana. So the two Group L teams are yet to open their points account, making the match equally important for both as they try to stay alive in the tournament. The match, at the BMO Field in Canada, kicks off at 5 a.m. Bangladesh time on Wednesday.
Croatia are a tough opponent for Panama, who will have to pass a real test against a side ranked 23 places above them in the FIFA rankings. But the fight Panama showed against Ghana, despite losing to a last-minute goal, is giving them confidence going into the Croatia match.
Croatia, for their part, want to return to their best against Panama. After conceding goal after goal against England and facing criticism, the Panama match is a chance to bounce back. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is taking the way his side played in the first 45 minutes against England as a strong positive. The team is rich in experience and confident of advancing to the next round, and so they want a win against Panama. Croatia have never played Panama before, but, unfamiliar opponent or not, Luka Modric’s side will look to dominate the contest and return to winning ways.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report