Perisic banks on Croatia’s African edge in Ghana decider

Veteran Croatian player Ivan Perisic is optimistic that the team's historical success against African nations will prove advantageous when they face Ghana on Saturday, aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup knockout stages. Croatia, the 2018 finalists and semi-finalists four years later, boasts an impressive record of three wins and a draw against African World Cup opponents since 2014, including their victory over Morocco for third place in Qatar.

"That's something that we commented on," Perisic stated through an interpreter. "And we played against many teams in the past 10 years, and all of the results were positive. So I believe that this is going to be the same this time as well, and that we will be playing a very good match, just like we did against the other teams."

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That's something that we commented on. And we played against many teams in the past 10 years, and all of the results were positive. So I believe that this is going to be the same this time as well, and that we will be playing a very good match, just like we did against the other teams.

Croatia currently trails England and Ghana by one point in Group L, with Panama already eliminated. However, questions linger about whether this Croatian side possesses the same potency as in previous years. Following a significant loss to England, they managed only a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama. Manager Zlatko Dalic has openly admitted that the team's performances have been subpar, stating, "We need to raise the level of our play. We're not what Croatia can be. So we haven't shown the best we can, but tomorrow is the opportunity to do so."

Dalic highlighted uncharacteristic errors in passing and ball possession, noting that the team seems to be losing the ball too easily. He stressed the need for increased speed and concentration. Perisic also weighed in on Ghana's potential tactics, acknowledging their compactness and the possibility of a defensive approach, but emphasized Croatia's focus on their own game and the necessity for a significantly improved performance compared to their previous matches.

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We need to raise the level of our play. We're not what Croatia can be. So we haven't shown the best we can, but tomorrow is the opportunity to do so.