.Both sides enter this Group L clash desperately needing points after losing their opening fixtures. Panama fell heartbreakingly to Ghana 1–0 in the 95th minute on June 18, despite dominating possession (63%) and recording 4 shots on target. Croatia were beaten 4–2 by England on June 17, conceding four goals including two second-half strikes from set pieces — a recurring defensive weakness. The quality gap between these sides remains significant: Croatia rank FIFA #10 vs Panama at #72. However, this will NOT be a walkover. Panama's 3-4-3 is highly organised — they held Ghana goalless until the 95th minute, won 29 tackles (most in MD1), and José Córdoba set an all-time WC record for Panama with 91 completed passes. Croatia's defensive issues — failing to keep a clean sheet in 7 straight games — combined with Panama's disciplined low-block could make this much tighter than the odds suggest. SportsGambler tips Panama Asian HCP +1 @ −106 as their main pick! Squawka picks Croatia Win & Under 4.5 Goals @ 5/6. 22Bet tips Croatia Double Chance & Over 1.5 @ 1.38 (safe) and BTTS @ 1.92. SportsMole predicts 1–3 Croatia; Racing Post calls 2–3 Croatia with Over 2.5 goals in the 2–5 goals range; KhelNow predicts 1–4 Croatia. Consensus: Croatia win 1–2 or 2–1 is the modal correct-score prediction. Our pick: Croatia 2–1 Panama — a gritty, entertaining encounter where Croatia's class ultimately prevails, but Panama grab a consolation.