Croatia book Round of 32 place with late win over Ghana

Croatia secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after defeating already-qualified Ghana 2-1 in a hard-fought Group L encounter at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday.

Needing only a draw to guarantee qualification, Zlatko Dalić’s side instead claimed all three points thanks to a late winner from Nikola Vlašić, ensuring they finished second in the group behind England, who defeated Panama 2-0 in the other Group L fixture.

Croatia dominated the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić collected Mateo Kovačić’s pass before drilling a precise low shot through Derrick Luckassen’s legs into the bottom corner.

Vlašić had earlier come close with a powerful long-range effort, while Ghana struggled to create meaningful chances and failed to register a shot on target before the break for the third successive group match.

Ghana emerged with greater purpose after the interval following the introduction of Abdul Fatawu. The Black Stars eventually drew level in the 73rd minute when Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah’s cross. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR review confirmed that Kwasi Sibo, who had been in an offside position, was not interfering with play.

The equaliser briefly shifted momentum in Ghana’s favour, but Croatia responded strongly. Benjamin Asare produced an outstanding one-handed save to deny Mario Pašalić before Luka Modrić delivered a pinpoint corner that Vlašić powered home with seven minutes remaining to restore Croatia’s lead.

The result sent Croatia into the knockout stage with two wins in the group, while Ghana also progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams despite suffering defeat. Croatia’s victory also officially ended Scotland’s hopes of reaching the Round of 32.

Having reached the 2018 World Cup final and the semi-finals four years later, Croatia once again demonstrated their tournament resilience. They will now head into the knockout rounds with renewed confidence after surviving a determined challenge from the Black Stars.