Ghana suffered a painful late defeat to Croatia on Friday night as Nikola Vlasic’s late header handed the Europeans a 2-1 victory in their final Group L encounter, although the Black Stars still progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Black Stars needed a positive result to improve their chances of finishing in the top two, but Croatia struck seven minutes from time to snatch all three points and secure second place in the group behind England.
Petar Sucic gave the Croatians the lead in the first half after Ghana struggled to impose themselves during the opening exchanges. The midfielder collected a pass from Mateo Kovacic before drilling a low effort beyond goalkeeper Benjamin Asare after the ball slipped through the legs of defender Derrick Luckassen.
Croatia had looked the more dangerous side before the breakthrough, with Vlasic testing Ghana’s defence early on, while the Black Stars failed to register a shot on target before the interval for the third consecutive group match.
Coach Carlos Queiroz responded after the break by introducing Abdul Fatawu, whose arrival injected urgency into Ghana’s attack. The Leicester City winger immediately troubled the Croatian defence and nearly found the equaliser with a powerful effort that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Ghana eventually got their reward in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen rose highest to head home Ernest Nuamah’s delivery. The goal was initially delayed by a lengthy VAR review over a possible offside involving Kwasi Sibo.
After nearly four minutes of deliberation, the goal was allowed to stand after officials determined that Sibo had not interfered with play, sparking celebrations among the Ghana supporters.
The equaliser shifted momentum in Ghana’s favour and the Black Stars looked capable of completing the comeback. However, Benjamin Asare was forced into a superb one-handed save to deny Mario Pasalic as Croatia intensified their search for a winner.
The decisive moment arrived seven minutes from time when Luka Modric delivered a corner into the box and Nikola Vlasic escaped his marker to head past Asare and restore Croatia’s lead.
Despite the defeat, Ghana advanced to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, keeping alive the nation’s hopes of a deep World Cup run.
Croatia finished second in Group L and will face Portugal in the Round of 32, while Ghana now prepare for a difficult encounter against Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City on July 4.
The defeat also ended any remaining hopes of Scotland progressing to the knockout stage, as Croatia’s victory ensured the Scots could no longer qualify.
