England vs. Croatia: The first challenge

Before kick-off, coach Tuchel is facing a dilemma regarding Bukayo Saka.

The clash between England and Croatia in the opening match of Group L at 3 AM on June 18th is seen as the first test of Thomas Tuchel's team's ambitions for the title.

When the draw placed England and Croatia in the same Group L, many immediately recalled the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Back then, Gareth Southgate's England team came very close to reaching their first final in over half a century, but ultimately lost 1-2 after extra time to Croatia, featuring Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Mario Mandzukic.

A promising candidate

Eight years later, the two teams meet again on the biggest stage in world football, this time in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup campaign. For England, this is the time when they are considered one of the strong contenders for the championship.

Under Thomas Tuchel, the "Three Lions" qualified with a perfect record, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. The combination of experience from Harry Kane and John Stones with the youth of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka instilled confidence that English football could end its World Cup drought, which had lasted since 1966.

However, before kick-off, coach Tuchel is facing a dilemma regarding Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal star has not yet fully recovered from the Achilles tendon injury he sustained in March.

Although it's unlikely he'll be able to play the full 90 minutes, Saka is sending very positive signals. The 24-year-old has affirmed that he is willing to "gamble" with his physical condition to contribute to England at the World Cup. Saka stated that he is ready to play if given the opportunity, and if squad rotation is needed, Noni Madueke is a quality replacement on the right flank.

The match between England and Croatia promises to be incredibly exciting. Photo: AI- DONG LINH

Leader Luka Modric

On the other side of the pitch, the Croatian national team remains true to the identity that has made them a force in major tournaments for almost a decade. Although many key players are past their prime, the red and white checkered team still has their leader, Luka Modric. At 40 years old, the AC Milan midfielder continues to be the heart of Croatia's play and is aiming for his fifth World Cup appearance.

You may also like

Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar Prediction, 2:00 AM, June 25th: Last chance for both teams.Bosnia & Herzegovina will face Qatar at 2:00 AM on June 25th at Lumen Field, in the final match of Group B of the 2026 World Cup. Both teams have 1 point and must win to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Scotland vs Brazil Prediction: Neymar returns, awaiting the "Samba Dancers" to explode.Scotland were just 90 minutes away from making history, but standing in their way was one of the most formidable challenges in the World Cup: the Brazilian national team.

Scotland vs Brazil prediction, 5 AM, June 25th: Will Neymar return?Scotland will face Brazil at 5:00 AM on June 25th at Miami Stadium, in the final match of Group C at the 2026 World Cup. Brazil is considered the favorite, but Scotland still has a chance to make history if they can pull off an upset against the five-time world champions.

While not as physically fit as in the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, the Croatian team remains extremely difficult to play against thanks to their experience. Coach Zlatko Dalic understands that his team cannot compete with England in terms of speed or youth. Therefore, Croatia will likely slow down the pace of the game, utilizing the ball control abilities of Modric and Mateo Kovacic to limit the opponent's dangerous transitions.

The most notable flashpoint lies in the midfield. If Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham can win the ball control battle against Modric and Kovacic, England will have a chance to impose their game. Conversely, if Croatia reverts to their usual tempo, the pressure could mount on Tuchel's players.

In terms of overall strength, England still has the edge thanks to their squad depth and superior individual quality. However, Croatia has never been an easy opponent to beat. The "Three Lions" may secure all three points, but it will likely be a tight match where the difference will only be made by a moment of brilliance from the star players.

In the group also includes Ghana and Panama, and the result of the opening match will almost certainly decide the top spot in Group L. The winning team will gain a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the knockout round as group winners.

Portugal is determined to win their opening match.

At midnight on June 18th, star Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Group K, the "European Selecao" are clearly the top contender for first place.

Since winning the UEFA Nations League in June 2025, Portugal has only suffered one defeat. CR7's somewhat declining form is compensated by a squad of players in peak form such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and young talents like Francisco Conceicao and Gonçalo Ramos.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo returned to the World Cup after 52 years. Under the guidance of French coach Sebastien Desabre, the Central African team played with great discipline, defended tightly, and often created surprises with their transitions. In their last seven unbeaten matches, the "Leopards" conceded only one goal against the reigning African Cup of Nations runners-up, Senegal. They also held Denmark, a relatively strong team from the continent, to a draw ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal beat the USA 2-0 earlier this April without Ronaldo. (Photo: AP)

With a superior squad, Roberto Martinez's team is predicted to secure all three points in their opening match. However, it may not be an easy victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are striving to make their mark after many years of absence.

You may also like

Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar: Edin Dzeko's last gamble at the 2026 World CupAt Seattle Stadium, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar faced off in a do-or-die battle for survival in Group B. With only one point each, both teams needed to win to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

Mourinho and his Galacticos 3.0 ambitions: 3 pieces to help Real Madrid return to the top.Following a turbulent summer transfer window in 2026, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are targeting Bastoni, Olise, and Bouaddi to complete a squad capable of conquering any title.

Video highlights of Colombia vs Democratic Republic of Congo: A hard-fought victoryDespite being considered the clear favorites, the Colombian team struggled to secure a 1-0 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second match of Group K at the 2026 World Cup.

The courageous performance of newcomer Cape Verde recently showed that the pragmatic playing style of "tiny" teams can sometimes cause a lot of difficulties for "big teams".

Hoang Hiep

Source: https://nld.com.vn/anh-croatia-thu-thach-dau-tien-196260616212957624.htm