The final round of matches in World Cup Group L take place on Saturday when Croatia clash with Ghana and Panama take on England
Group L Update
England and Ghana both have 4 points and England top the group on goal difference. Croatia are third on 3 points and after losing both of their matches Panama are bottom of the quartet and are no longer in contention to make the knockout rounds.
A reminder that the final round of matches in each group share the same kick off time. Should two or more teams finish equal on points in their group the first criteria used to determine the final standings is the head to head record. The 8 best third placed finishers from the 12 groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
Croatia vs Ghana (Philadelphia)
Croatia:
Croatia put themselves back in contention for a place in the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto in their second group match. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal early in the second half of a game which had seen Panama cause Croatia plenty of problems.
Croatia went down 4-2 to England in their opening game in Dallas. They fell behind to an early penalty but Martin Baturina squared things up. England regained the lead before half time but Petar Musa made it 2-2 and that was how the first half ended. Croatia conceded early in the second half as England came on strong but it was only when England scored their fourth goal on 85 minutes that the writing was on the wall.
Ghana
Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England in Boston moved them up to 4 points and surely a place in the knockout rounds. They were content to let England have the ball and play on the counter and England only had limited opportunities the closest of which saw them hit the woodwork in the closing moments. Ghana never troubled the England keeper but will be more than satisfied with thei night’s work and a second clen sheet.
Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw but in the fifth minute of injury time Caleb Yirenkyi broke the deadlock and the Black Stars came through with a 1-0 win.
The Betting:
Croatia are priced at around 15/20 to win the game with the draw available at 23/20 and Ghana can be backed at around 34/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 11/10 and its also 11/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
The win over Panama secures at least third place in the group for Croatia but they haven’t been overly impressive, and they come up against a Ghana side who know how to keep things tight. The draw looks to be a runner here.
Bets: Match result draw at 2.15/1 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change
Panama vs England (New Jersey)
Panama:
Panama’s 1-0 defeat to Croatia in Toronto in their second group match means they will be returning home after this game. They looked dangerous at times but only registered one shot on target and their 7 corners came to nothing.
Panama came up against Ghana in their opening game in Toronto and they gave as good as they got before a match of few clear cut chances went the way of the Black Stars who scored the only goal in the 95th minute. Panama had more touches than Ghana in the opposition box and registered 4 shots on target but they couldn’t find a way through.
England
After a rip roaring start to their tournament England came back down to earth in Boston where they played out a dour 0-0 draw with Ghana. They had almost 80% of possession against the Black Stars, registering 19 shots (3 on target) and 9 corners (to Ghana’s 2) but couldn’t find a way through although substitute Nico O'Reilly hot the woodwork late on.
England took on Croatia in Dallas in their opening game and they came out on top 4-2. Harry Kane opened the scoring early on with a retaken penalty but Croatia were level on 36 minutes. England skipper Kane then headed his side back in front from a corner just before half time but England lost concentration and Croatia made it 2-2 on the stroke of half time. England were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and Bellingham made it 3-1 before Rashford rounded off the scoring of what was a terrific contest.
The Betting:
Panama are priced at around 14/1 to win the game with the draw available at 58/10 and England can be backed at around 1 / 5.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 4/10 and its 11/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Panama have performed with credit without troubling the scoreboard. They will be keen to give another good account but the circumstances suggest this is perfect for England to get back on track after being frustrated by Ghana.
Bets: England to win both halves? Yes at 12/10 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change
