Late Croatia winner sink Ghana, but both nations advance to knockout round

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Croatia record a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday in Group L, but the Black Stars also progressed to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after results elsewhere ensured both teams advanced.

In an entertaining contest that swung from end to end, Croatia needed a late winner from Nikola Vlašić after Ghana had fought back to level the scores in the second half.

The Croatians dominated possession early on and came close to breaking the deadlock when Vlašić struck the post before Petar Sučić finally put Zlatko Dalić’s side ahead in the 31st minute.

Receiving a pass from Mateo Kovačić, Sučić unleashed a stunning long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and nestled in the bottom corner to give Croatia a deserved lead.

Ghana gradually grew into the contest after the interval, with Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew leading a spirited response as the Black Stars searched for an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Ernest Nuamah delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area and Derrick Luckassen bundled the ball home. The goal was initially subjected to a VAR review before being confirmed, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Ghanaian players.

With qualification hanging in the balance, Croatia responded with renewed urgency and regained the lead seven minutes from time.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modrić produced a pinpoint corner that found Nikola Vlašić, whose powerful header struck the post before bouncing into the net to restore Croatia’s advantage.

Ghana pushed desperately for another equaliser during seven minutes of added time, with Issahaku Fatawu coming closest deep into stoppage time, but his effort sailed over the crossbar as Croatia held firm.

Despite the defeat, Ghana’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds remained alive after England defeated Panama 2-0 in the other Group L fixture, ensuring the Black Stars advanced as the group’s third-placed team while Panama exited the tournament.