Croatia secured their place in the World Cup last 32 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana, finishing second in Group L after withstanding a spirited second-half fightback in Philadelphia.
Petar Sucic gave the 2018 runners-up the advantage in the opening half before Ghana responded after the interval with sustained pressure that was rewarded through Derrick Luckassen’s first international goal. However, Croatia restored their lead late on when Nikola Vlasic headed home from a Luka Modric corner to seal victory and set up a knockout meeting with the runners-up from Group K in Toronto on Thursday.
For much of the evening, Croatia appeared on course to top the group, but events elsewhere altered the standings. England’s 2-0 victory over Panama ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side finished first in Group L, leaving Croatia to progress in second place.
Although Ghana ended the group stage with defeat, they had already guaranteed qualification before kick-off. Victories over Panama and a draw against England in their opening two matches had secured a place in the knockout rounds, marking the Black Stars’ third appearance in the last 32 of a World Cup.
The first meaningful opportunity arrived in the 17th minute following a swift Croatian counter-attack. Vlasic found space outside the penalty area and drove a low effort against the outside of the post.
Croatia eventually made their pressure count shortly after the half-hour. Sucic tried his luck from around 30 yards, and his low strike travelled through the legs of Luckassen before beating a partly-unsighted Benjamin Asare. It was the Inter Milan midfielder’s second goal for his country.
The breakthrough encouraged Ghana to push forward before the break. Antoine Semenyo produced the Black Stars’ best chance of the opening period when he surged into the area, but his effort flashed narrowly wide of the far post.
Seeking a greater attacking threat, Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz reshuffled his side at the interval. Abdul Fatawu replaced the more defensive-minded Elisha Owusu and immediately looked to test the Croatian defence, firing over the crossbar soon after entering the contest.
The tactical change injected new life into Ghana’s performance. The Black Stars began to dominate possession and territory, with Semenyo almost connecting with a dangerous Fatawu delivery early in the second half.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 73rd minute. Luckassen converted with a composed left-footed finish from a set-piece, although celebrations were delayed by a lengthy four-minute review before the goal was confirmed.
The strike was the defender’s first at international level and meant his family had now contributed four goals at the tournament, following the three scored by his brother Brian Brobbey for the Netherlands during the group stage.
The momentum shifted again almost immediately. Croatia threatened through Mario Pasalic, whose effort was brilliantly kept out by Asare in the 82nd minute.
From the resulting corner, Modric delivered an inviting cross and Vlasic found space inside the penalty area to head home the decisive goal, ensuring Croatia advanced as Group L runners-up while Ghana, despite defeat, also progressed to the knockout phase.
