Vlasic Late Header Sends Croatia Through as Ghana Also Advance From Group L

Nikola Vlasic headed home Luka Modric's corner seven minutes from time to give Croatia a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday, securing their place in the World Cup round of 32 as runners-up in Group L behind England. 

Ghana, who had already qualified before kick-off, finish third and will advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Croatia's win also confirmed Scotland's elimination from the tournament.

Croatia will face Portugal in Toronto on July 3, while Ghana take on Colombia in Kansas City on July 4.

Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute with an absolute rocket from outside the box, his low right-footed drive threading through Derrick Luckassen's legs and into the bottom corner for his second career international goal. Croatia went close to extending their lead before half time, with Vlasic grazing the outside of the post with a long-range drive and Marin Pongracic heading Modric's free kick over the bar. Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, who finished third in the Premier League with 17 goals last season, slid a shot just wide of the left post late in the half as the Black Stars threatened.

Ghana came out with far more intent after the break, with substitute Abdul Fatawu flashing a powerful shot just over the bar shortly after the restart. Their pressure told in the 73rd minute when Luckassen headed Ernest Nuamah's delivery into the bottom corner. The goal was given after a near four-minute VAR check for offside, with officials ruling that Kwasi Sibo, who was in an offside position, was not interfering with play when the ball was struck.

With momentum shifting towards Ghana, Mario Pasalic forced a magnificent one-handed save from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare before Vlasic nodded home to win it, sending the Croatian players into wild celebration.

Luckassen, who is the brother of Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey, sparked jubilant scenes among the Ghana supporters with his equaliser, making it the first game of five played in Philadelphia at this World Cup where both teams found the net.

Ghana reach the last 32 for the first time since 2010. Croatia, finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, are back in the knockout rounds and will fancy their chances against Portugal.