Vlasic heads Croatia past Ghana and into knockout stage

TORONTO: Nikola Vlasic scored with a late header as Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 on Saturday to secure second place in World Cup Group ‘L’ and advance to the knockout stage.

Croatia, who only needed a draw to progress, went ahead in the 31st minute through Petar Susic, whose long-range effort found the bottom-left corner. The 2022 third-place finishers held that advantage until the second half, when Ghana improved and eventually drew level through Derrick Luckassen.

Luckassen, making his international debut, scored in the 73rd minute with Ghana’s first shot on target after Ernest Nuamah sent an inswinging free-kick over Croatia’s back line. The goal was checked by VAR, and referee Drew Fischer was called to the monitor before deciding that Kwasi Sibol, who had been in an offside position, had not interfered with play. Luckassen had come from an onside position to finish at the back post.

Ghana’s equaliser came after manager Carlos Queiroz had left out three players who were carrying yellow cards, a decision that allowed Luckassen to feature. However, the leveller lasted only briefly.

In the 83rd minute, Luka Modric delivered a corner beyond the penalty spot toward the back post, where Vlasic was given room to meet it. He guided his header down off the inside of the left post and beyond goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to restore Croatia’s lead.

The result left Croatia second in the group and set up a Round of 32 meeting on Thursday in Toronto against the team that finishes second in Group ‘K’, with Portugal or Colombia described as the most likely opponents. Ghana, despite the defeat, had already secured qualification before kick-off and finished third in the section. They will face the winners of Group ‘K’ — either Portugal or Colombia — on Friday in Kansas City.

Background results in the group meant England topped Group ‘L’ with seven points after beating Panama 2-0, while Croatia finished on six points. Ghana ended on four, and Panama lost all three matches to finish bottom. Croatia had kept their campaign alive earlier in the group stage with a 1-0 win over Panama.

There was also a late injury concern for Ghana when forward Antoine Semenyo went down with an apparent ankle problem. He limped off in the closing stages but was able to return and complete the match.