In a potentially make-or-break clash for both nations, Panama and Croatia will face off at BMO Field in the World Cup in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Both sides came away empty-handed from their opening matches, meaning another defeat here would leave them staring down the barrel of an early exit.
Panama came mightily close to getting off the mark, only to be cruelly denied when they conceded a late goal in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ghana.
With England to come after this clash, Los Canaleros will know this fixture with Croatia represents perhaps their best opportunity to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
As for Croatia, they currently prop up the group after a 4-2 defeat to England on matchday one.
Zlatko Dalic's side, runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022, will be desperate not to fall at the first hurdle this time around.
How the bookies view it: Croatia to collect three points
Given Croatia’s superior pedigree to Panama, it’s no surprise to see the Blazers priced up as 1/2 favourites with bet365.
As for Panama, they are as big as 11/2 with bet365 to pull off a shock, while a point apiece has been priced at 33/10 with the same firm.
More odds and markets are available on our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Head to head: History book blank
With the two teams based on different continents and Panama not regulars on the World Cup stage, it’s little surprise this will be the first time the two nations have crossed paths.
Panama last faced European opposition in their final World Cup warm-up match when drawing 1-1 with Bosnia. The same scoreline here is priced at 8/1 with bet365.
Players to watch: Budimir to put Panama to the sword?
Ante Budimir is expected to return to the Croatia starting XI for this crunch clash, making him an attractive option to register either a goal or an assist at 4/5 with bet365. The Croatian forward recorded four goal contributions across five World Cup qualifying appearances.
After committing five fouls and picking up a yellow card against Ghana last time out, Carlos Harvey could be worth considering for another booking here at 3/1 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Panama were without star midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla on matchday one, but they remain hopeful he will be able to feature in some capacity against Croatia.
Croatia boss Dalic is expected to revert to a more familiar shape for this contest and could also make changes to his starting XI. The aforementioned Budimir, along with Mateo Kovacic, are among the leading candidates to return to the side.
Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martinez, Waterman, Rodriguez
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic; Perisic, Musa, Budimir
Anything else catch the eye?
Croatia are deserved favourites here, but there is little value in backing them at the prices on offer.
Instead, look for the Balkan nation to bank three crucial points while scoring at least twice, a selection that boosts the odds to 4/5 with bet365.
With plenty riding on this contest for both nations, the referee could be kept busy throughout, making over 3.5 cards an attractive option at 4/5 with bet365.
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