Vlasic's late header secures Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana and last-32 spot, Modric sets assist record

What happened

Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to finish second in Group L and advance to the World Cup last 32. Petar Sucic opened the scoring with a long-range drive in the 31st minute, but Ghana levelled through Derrick Luckassen’s 73rd-minute effort, which was initially ruled out before a VAR review confirmed the goal. With seven minutes left, Luka Modric swung in a corner and Nikola Vlasic nodded it downward into the net for the winner. The result lifted Croatia above Ghana into the runners‑up spot behind England, who beat Panama 2-0 in the group’s other match.

Slow-starting Croatia rediscover form

Croatia reached the knockout rounds after a sluggish group stage that began with a 4-2 defeat by England and a narrow 1-0 win over Panama. Coach Zlatko Dalic acknowledged the early struggles but said the performance against Ghana was a return to the team’s best. “I think we’re back to where we were, like nine years ago,” Dalic told reporters. “But that’s again a small step to achieve the first objective, to go to the knockout stage.” The Vatreni have a history of slow starts, having advanced to the 2022 semi‑finals with only one open‑play win and requiring two penalty shootouts en route to the 2018 final.

Modric sets an assist record

At 40, Luka Modric became the oldest player to provide an assist at a World Cup since such data began being recorded in 1966. He played his first full 90 minutes of the tournament and was at the heart of Croatia’s build‑up, also making two key defensive blocks. Modric earned his 20th World Cup start, a joint Croatian record with Ivan Perišić.

“Luka was truly fantastic. That’s his character and his energy. He’s aware that this is the last World Cup and he’s trying to do his best.”

Dalic fires back at doubters

The Croatian coach used the post‑match press conference to criticise the “suspicion” and “pitiful” commentary that followed the opening two games.

“This national team deserves better because we had so many fans rooting for Croatia. Even when losing or winning, they should be loved because of everything they have done for the people and for the country.”

Dalic also credited his decision to give Vlasic a first start in the tournament, saying he told the forward before the match, “It’s your match,” and it proved correct.

Ghana advance despite defeat

Ghana had already secured a last‑16 place as one of the top third‑placed teams before kick‑off, and their 73rd‑minute equaliser briefly raised hopes of overtaking Croatia. Manager Carlos Queiroz rested three players on yellow cards, which gave Luckassen his chance on debut.

“It was a nice feeling, but I’m a bit disappointed about the loss.”

Ghana will face the winner of Group K (Portugal or Colombia) on Friday in Kansas City, while Croatia meet the Group K runner‑up on Thursday in Toronto.