ZAGREB, Croatia (Interstat) — Croatia and Ghana meet Saturday in a WC in World group match at Stadion Maksimir, with both teams seeking to build momentum after identical 1-0 results on Tuesday.

Ghana arrives after a scoreless draw at England on June 23, following a 1-0 home victory over Panama on June 17. The Black Stars have not conceded a goal in either of their past two matches, a defensive resilience that could prove decisive against a Croatia side that has been inconsistent.

Croatia also posted a 1-0 win on Tuesday, defeating Panama on the road. That result snapped a two-game winless streak for the hosts, who lost 4-2 at England on June 17 and drew 2-2 with North Macedonia on May 3. Prior to that, Croatia had won five of six matches dating to last fall, including a 3-2 victory at Montenegro on Nov. 17 and a 3-1 home win over the Faroe Islands on Nov. 14.

Croatia’s recent form has been marked by offensive output — they have scored at least two goals in four of their past five matches — but defensive lapses have also been evident. The defeat at England and the draw with North Macedonia exposed vulnerabilities that Ghana’s compact shape could exploit.

Ghana’s own attacking numbers have been modest. The Black Stars managed only one goal in their past two outings, both against sides ranked outside the top 20. Their ability to generate chances against a Croatia defense that has shown cracks will be critical.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-0 victory for Ghana, a forecast that hinges on the visitors’ ability to absorb Croatia’s pressure and strike on the counter. Croatia’s home advantage — the match is in Zagreb — could tilt the balance, but the simulator’s data suggests Ghana’s defensive discipline may be the difference.

Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. local time. The match is the second in Group play for both teams, with each seeking an early foothold in the tournament.