Croatia forward Ante Budimir has described Ghana as a “compact and difficult opponent” ahead of a crucial final Group L encounter that could determine both teams’ fate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The striker’s comments came after Croatia boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, a result that has set up a decisive showdown with the Black Stars in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Budimir was the difference-maker against Panama, scoring the only goal of the game in the second half. The 34-year-old met a cross delivered from the right by Josip Stanisic to secure a valuable win for the 2018 World Cup runners-up.
The victory strengthened Croatia’s prospects of advancing from Group L and increased the significance of their final group-stage fixture against Ghana.
While Croatia were taking care of business against Panama, attention was also focused on the group’s other match, where Ghana and England played out a goalless draw. The result left qualification scenarios finely balanced heading into the last round of matches.
Budimir acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side and highlighted Ghana’s performance against England as evidence of the difficulties Croatia can expect.
“It is obvious that they were a compact and difficult opponent. We definitely still have enough days to prepare. We have a tough game ahead of us, like every other game at the World Cup. We need to focus on ourselves first and foremost. Every detail is important, today we were good in the break, we didn’t concede a goal. All those details are important to us for what is to come,” he said after the game.
The forward’s assessment reflects the respect Ghana have earned through their disciplined displays during the tournament. Their draw with England demonstrated their defensive organisation and resilience, qualities Budimir believes Croatia must be prepared to face.
Despite recognising the challenge posed by the Black Stars, the Osasuna striker insisted Croatia’s primary focus must remain on their own preparations. He pointed to his side’s defensive solidity against Panama as one of several positive signs they can build upon before the decisive encounter.
Croatia’s narrow victory over Panama may not have been straightforward, but it delivered the result they required and ensured they remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
The upcoming match carries significant consequences for both nations. The winner of the Ghana-Croatia contest will secure automatic qualification for the next stage of the competition, adding further importance to a fixture already expected to be closely contested.
Even if they fail to win, both teams could still progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides, leaving multiple pathways open to the knockout phase.
Nevertheless, automatic qualification remains the most direct route forward, and both Ghana and Croatia will be eager to seize the opportunity when they meet in Philadelphia.
With a place in the Round of 32 at stake, the encounter promises to be one of the most important matches in Group L. Croatia will arrive buoyed by their victory over Panama, while Ghana’s resilient draw against England has enhanced confidence within the Black Stars camp.
For Budimir, however, the message is clear. Croatia expect a demanding challenge from Ghana and understand that success may depend on the smallest of margins as they seek to extend their World Cup campaign.
