Croatia and Panama meet in Toronto on Tuesday night with both teams searching for their first win of the World Cup after opening game defeats in Group L.
Zlatko Dalic's men lost 4-2 against England, having twice fought back to level the scores against the Three Lions, while the Canal Men suffered late disappointment, conceding deep into injury-time against Ghana and losing 1-0.
While both sides need a positive result to keep their hopes of finishing in the top two in Group L alive, it's Croatia who go into the game as big favorites.
Panama vs. Croatia betting picks and predictions
Croatia to win (-200)
Croatia boast real pedigree at World Cups over the last 30 years, finishing third in 1998 and 2022 and reaching the final in 2018, where they lost to France.
However, this is a Vatreni side in transition, with impactful players like Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic having hung up their boots, Luka Modric now 40 and the younger players coming through not at the world-class level of those who came before them.
Saying that, this is still a good Croatia team, more than capable of beating Panama and reaching the knockout stages.
Dalic's team finished top of their group in European qualifying, winning seven of eight games and scoring 26 goals in the process.
A run of eight victories in nine matches came to an end in April and since then Croatia have lost three in four, though those defeats have come against top opposition in Brazil, Belgium and England.
The Croats should get back to winning ways against Panama, who have won just twice in eight games and who also lost to Brazil, as well as Mexico and Ghana.
Both teams to score (-125)
While Croatia go into the game as favorites, Panama will be quietly confident that they can test the Vatreni backline and get on the scoresheet.
Despite firing a blank against Ghana, the Canal Men had actually found the back of the net in 11 of their 12 matches leading up to their World Cup opener.
Panama scored twice in a 6-2 defeat by Brazil, while also beating South Africa 2-1 in a friendly at the end of March.
Against Ghana Thomas Christiansen's men had more shots than the Black Stars and also recorded more efforts on target.
While Panama will be a threat on the attack, it's also important to note that Croatia's defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven games.
What's more, six of those matches saw both teams score and this scenario may well be repeated in Toronto.
Ivan Perisic anytime goalscorer (+110)
Ivan Perisic is still performing at the top level at the age of 37.
The winger, famed for his wand of a left foot, played 49 games for club and country last season, appearing for PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, winning the Eredivisie title and helping Croatia reach the World Cup finals.
Playing the full 90 minutes against England, Perisic is expected to start against Panama and will have a big influence out wide.
With 38 goals in 155 appearances for the national team - the veteran scored in the qualifying wins against Montenegro home and away - and will be eager to add to his tally at the World Cup.
Also a set-piece taker, Perisic will likely have opportunities to take aim against Panama on Tuesday.
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Panama vs. Croatia odds
Panama | +550 |
Tie | +333 |
Croatia | -200 |
Panama vs. Croatia player props
Anytime goalscorer
Andrej Kramaric (Croatia) | +110 |
Petar Musa (Croatia) | +130 |
Ivan Perisic (Croatia) | +200 |
Cecilio Waterman (Panama) | +260 |
Jose Fajardo (Panama) | +300 |
Ismael Diaz (Panama) | +375 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
