Nikola Vlasic’s late header lifts Croatia to 2-1 win over Ghana, both teams advance to World Cup last 32

Late drama in Philadelphia

Sixty-eight thousand fans in ponchos watched a rain-soaked finale to Group L at Lincoln Financial Field, where Croatia and Ghana delivered an absorbing contest defined by three outstanding goals. Zlatko Dalic’s side had taken control early in the first half through Petar Sucic’s long-range strike, but Ghana equalised through Derrick Luckassen midway through the second period. The deadlock lasted only ten minutes, as Vlasic met Luka Modric’s corner with a powerful header that went in off the inside of the post, sending the Croatian bench into raptures.

We knew only victory mattered. I believed until the end, we never gave up.

How the match unfolded

Croatia signalled their intent from the kick-off, hitting the post through Vlasic in the 17th minute after a patient move down the left. The breakthrough came on 31 minutes when Sucic, receiving the ball 25 metres from goal, unleashed a low drive that beat goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Ghana grew into the contest after the break and found a 73rd-minute leveller when Luckassen side-footed home Ernest Nuamah’s free-kick, a goal that survived a four-minute VAR review for possible offside.

Just when a share of the points looked like settling the group placings, Modric swung over a corner in the 83rd minute and Vlasic’s glancing header restored Croatia’s lead. The Africans pushed for another equaliser but the European side held firm, with defender Gideon Mensah and substitute Emmanuel Oppong both going close late on.

Each one fought for the other. This group never disappoints in decisive moments.

Group L final standings

England topped the pool with seven points after a 2-0 win over Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute and Harry Kane doubled the lead five minutes later (his fourth goal of the tournament). Croatia finished second on six points, Ghana third with four, and Panama ended their campaign without a point.

Knockout permutations and Scotland’s exit

With Ghana’s third-place finish confirmed, the last mathematical hopes of Scotland reaching the round of 32 were extinguished. Steve Clarke’s side had seen their fate drift since a final group defeat by Brazil, and the result in Philadelphia formally ended their tournament. Ghana advanced to the last 32 for the first time since 2010, while Croatia, beaten finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, head into the knockout phase facing a potential meeting with Portugal if group K finishes as expected. Carlos Queiroz’s team will learn their last-32 opponent after the remaining group matches conclude on Sunday.