World Cup Advancement
Croatia defeats Ghana 2-1 with Vlasic and Sucic goals, securing World Cup knockout stage spot.
Croatia held off a Ghana equalizer to win 2-1 on Saturday in Philadelphia, booking a spot in the World Cup Round of 32. Luka Sučić opened the scoring with a long-range rocket in the 31st minute, Derrick Luckassen leveled for Ghana in the 73rd, and Nikola Vlašić headed home the winner seven minutes later off a corner from 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić, according to AP.
The result puts Croatia second in Group L behind England. Ghana finishes third but still advances to the knockout stage — the Black Stars' first trip there since 2010. All three nations move on; only Panama is eliminated.
Sučić Screamer, Luckassen Equalizer, Vlašić Header
Luka Sučić struck from 25 yards out in the 31st minute. It was his second career international goal, and it gave Croatia a lead they carried into halftime. The shot was described as a "rocket" by AP. Croatia held firm until the 73rd minute, when Ghanaian defender Derrick Luckassen — brother of Dutch star Brian Brobbey — slotted into the bottom right corner to make it 1-1. A VAR check for offside cleared the goal to stand.
Then came Modrić. At 40 years old, the Croatian captain whipped in a corner in the 83rd minute. Vlašić met it with his head and put Croatia back in front. The final whistle came at the 90+7 minute mark. Vlašić said after the match: "We knew we had to respond after the England loss. To score a winner like that with Luka providing the cross is a dream," per AP.
Croatia's Tactical Gamble Pays Off Under Dalić
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić came into the game under heavy pressure. His side had lost 4-2 to England in the opener. He responded by making three changes to the lineup, dropping Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol to the bench and starting both Sučić and Vlašić. Both goalscorers justified his faith, according to The Star.
Modrić also set a record. He became the first Croatian to start 20 World Cup matches and reached 198 international caps, per The Guardian. Analysts credited him with controlling the tempo in the second half and making key tackles when Ghana pressed for a second goal. Commentator Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports that "Croatia assumed control of the proceedings — and the group — as soon as Sučić hit that screamer."
Ghana's First Knockout Stage Since 2010 Black Stars Run
Despite the loss, Ghana made history. The Black Stars had failed to reach the knockout stage in 2014 and 2022 — and did not even qualify in 2018. Their 2026 run includes a 1-0 win over Panama and a 0-0 draw with England. They conceded just two goals across three games, per Modern Ghana.
Manager Carlos Queiroz defended his cautious approach after the match. He said Ghana's goal was to secure progress while managing fatigue among key attackers like Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams. The Guardian was critical, writing that Ghana showed "so little ambition to win" the match. Ghanaian outlets pushed back, framing the defensive discipline as a point of pride.
What Comes Next for Both Teams in Round of 32
Croatia finishes second in Group L. They will face the winner of Group K in the Round of 32. Ghana finishes third and advances as one of the best third-placed sides. They will likely face a top-seeded European or South American team, per FIFA.com. The matchups will be set once all group stage results are final.
Saturday's game also set a small piece of venue history. It was the first match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia where both teams scored. The previous four games at the stadium had all ended with a clean sheet for the winner, according to AP. Over one million fans have visited Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival during the tournament so far.
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