By Dwayne Ferreira.
Nikola Vlašić heads Croatia past Ghana 2-1 after Luka Modrić’s corner, sealing second place in Group L and a clash with Portugal.
Nikola Vlašić headed Croatia into the World Cup knockout stage as a late goal from Luka Modrić’s corner secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana and second place in Group L.
Croatia entered needing only a draw to progress, while Ghana were already in a strong position after beating Panama and holding England. The match could have been cautious, but both teams played with enough intent to create a lively contest in Philadelphia.
Croatia started with greater control and took the lead in the 31st minute. Petar Sučić found space outside the area and drove a long-range strike into the bottom-left corner, rewarding Croatia’s territorial advantage and forcing Ghana to chase.
Ghana struggled to create in the first half. Derrick Luckassen later admitted his side had possession without enough purpose, and their first real attacking threat came only after the interval. Croatia, meanwhile, relied on Modrić to dictate tempo and protect the advantage.
The Black Stars improved significantly in the second half. They pushed higher, delivered more balls into the box and finally levelled in the 73rd minute. Ernest Nuamah sent in an inswinging free kick and Luckassen, making his international debut, arrived at the back post to knock the ball home.
The equaliser survived a lengthy VAR review. Referee Drew Fischer checked whether an offside Ghana player had interfered with play before confirming the goal. For a brief spell, Ghana looked capable of taking control.
Croatia responded through experience. In the 83rd minute, Modrić delivered a corner beyond the penalty spot, and Vlašić was left with enough space to guide a header down and inside the post. The finish was precise, and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare could not reach it.
Modrić, 40, became the oldest player in World Cup history to record an assist. His performance drew praise from coach Zlatko Dalić, who described the captain as fantastic and central to Croatia’s revival after a difficult start to the tournament.
Ghana still advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Colombia in Kansas City. Croatia, finishing second on six points, set up a heavyweight round-of-32 meeting with Portugal in Toronto.
MATCH SUMMARY
Croatia – 2
Petar Sučić 31’
Nikola Vlašić 83’
Ghana – 1
Derrick Luckassen 73’
Result: Croatia won 2-1
Player of the Match: Luka Modrić
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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