AfriPulse
Croatia secured their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Nikola Vlasic’s late winner earned a 2-1 victory over already-qualified Ghana in their final Group L match in Philadelphia.
Zlatko Dalic’s side needed only to avoid defeat to guarantee progression, but Vlasic’s decisive header seven minutes from time ensured Croatia advanced as Group L runners-up behind England.
Despite the defeat, Ghana also progressed to the knockout stage after finishing among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Croatia strike late to claim victory
Croatia dominated much of the first half and nearly opened the scoring when Vlasic’s long-range effort drifted narrowly wide of Benjamin Asare’s post.
Their pressure paid off when Petar Sucic collected a pass from Mateo Kovacic before firing a low right-footed shot through Derrick Luckassen’s legs and into the bottom corner.
Croatia edge Ghana in final Group L meeting – Getty image
Ghana struggled to threaten before the break, failing to register a shot on target in the opening half for the third consecutive group match.
The Black Stars improved after the introduction of Abdul Fatawu at half-time, with the Leicester City winger immediately adding pace to the attack.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah’s cross.
The goal was confirmed after a lengthy video assistant referee review, with officials ruling that Kwasi Sibo, who was in an offside position, was not interfering with play.
Ghana also advance despite defeat
The equaliser briefly shifted things in Ghana’s favour, but Croatia regained control during the closing stages.
Mario Pasalic forced Asare into an outstanding one-handed save before Luka Modric’s corner found Vlasic, who powered home the winning header in the 83rd minute.
The victory confirmed Croatia’s place in the knockout rounds, while also ending Scotland’s hopes of advancing from the group stage.
Croatia finished second in Group L behind England, while Ghana progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after collecting enough points during the group phase to secure a place in the last 32.
Source: Gistreel | Read the Full Story…
