Croatia's World Cup campaign has been tested by a dramatic encounter against England, where goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a series of critical saves to keep his team competitive.
England had taken a 3-1 lead, prompting manager Thomas Tuchel's side to push for an immediate response, but Livakovic repeatedly thwarted their attempts to extend the advantage.
The performance underscores the intense pressure and high quality of play defining the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Livakovic's ability to deny England multiple times has kept the match within reach, showcasing the individual brilliance that often decides tight tournament fixtures.
This clash arrives as the broader tournament narrative shifts toward other key matchups, including Germany's upcoming group stage opener against Curaçao in Houston.
The German national team's campaign begins on Saturday, with former manager Jürgen Klopp recently addressing media speculation about the squad's direction.