Croatia, Canada team updates
CROATIA were dealt a scare when attacker Nikola Vlasic had to leave the draw with Morocco at halftime due to discomfort, but the West Ham United man has not suffered a serious injury and has been put through his paces in training.
Whether Vlasic is ready to start again is another question, so Mario Pasalic or Mislav Orsic could force their way into the attack here, with Andrej Kramaric expected to hold his spot despite pressure from Marko Livaja.
Dalic has no other injury concerns to deal with ahead of Sunday’s game, in which Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer will most likely be called upon from the bench, with Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic seemingly set to start again.
Meanwhile, Canada’s star man Davies recovered from a hamstring injury to start in their opening loss to Belgium, where Milan Borjan and Stephen Eustaquio were also given the go-ahead to play despite previous concerns about their fitness.
Herdman have no new concerns to report from matchday one and should keep any changes to a minimum given the manner of his side’s performance, but Cyle Larin should feel in with a strong chance of replacing Junior Hoilett in the attack.
Atiba Hutchinson is set to win his 100th cap for Canada this weekend, making him the first player from his country to do so, but if his 39-year-old legs need a rest, Ismael Kone and Jonathan Osorio are ready to step in.
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Canada possible starting lineup:
Borjan; Laryea, Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Davies; Buchanan, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Larin; David