Croatia secures knockout stage spot with late winner against Ghana in Philadelphia

By Bilal Ahmed

By Bilal Ahmed — 28 June 2026 — 3 min read

Croatia has advanced to the World Cup knockout stages as Group L runners-up following a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia. The win ensured Zlatko Dalic’s side secured their place in the last 32, finishing behind England, who topped the group after defeating Panama.

The match saw Petar Sucic open the scoring for Croatia in the first half. Ghana, already qualified for the last 32, managed to equalise through Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute. However, a late header from Nikola Vlasic, seven minutes from time, sealed the win for Croatia.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The game began cautiously, with neither side registering a shot or a touch in the opposition box during the initial 15 minutes. Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic had the first attempt, which grazed the outside of the left-hand post. Croatia then took the lead when Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic received a pass from Mateo Kovacic and struck a low, right-footed shot into the bottom corner. This goal, scored just after the half-hour mark, was Croatia’s first of the tournament.

Ghana, despite a defence-first approach, found themselves trailing. Towards the end of the first half, Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo had a shot that went narrowly wide. Ghana showed renewed vigour in the second half, particularly after the introduction of Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, who had an early shot over the bar.

The equaliser for Ghana came in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen headed home a delivery from Ernest Nuamah. The goal was subject to a lengthy VAR review, lasting nearly four minutes, to check for offside. The on-field official ultimately confirmed the goal, ruling that Kwasi Sibo, though in an offside position, was not interfering with play.

The momentum appeared to shift towards Ghana as the game entered its final 10 minutes. However, Croatia regained the lead when Mario Pasalic forced a save from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, and shortly after, Nikola Vlasic headed in a corner from Luka Modric to secure Croatia’s second Group L victory.

Impact on Group L and Player Milestones

The result means Croatia will proceed to face Portugal in Toronto on Friday, July 3. Ghana, despite the loss, will also advance to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides and is scheduled to play Colombia. The outcome of this match also confirmed Scotland’s exit from the World Cup, ending any remaining hopes they had of qualifying for the knockout stages.

In a notable individual achievement, Luka Modric, at 40 years and 291 days old, became the oldest player on record (since 1966) to provide a World Cup assist. This assist set up Nikola Vlasic’s winning goal. Modric also made his 22nd World Cup appearance in the match against Ghana, surpassing Diego Maradona and drawing level with Manuel Neuer in terms of appearances.

Croatia, who were finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists four years later, needed to avoid defeat to guarantee their spot in the knockout stages. The victory ensures their progression in the tournament.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will play Portugal in Toronto on Friday, July 3.

Source: bbc.co.uk