Vlasic header sends Croatia second as Ghana also reach the last 32

Croatia left it late in Philadelphia, but a Nikola Vlasic header seven minutes from time settled a tense night against Ghana and confirmed second place in Group L. The 2-1 win sends Luka Modric’s side into the World Cup round of 32 with momentum, while Ghana go through anyway as one of the best third-placed teams, meaning both these sides survive a group England had already won.

Sucic breaks the deadlock, Ghana hit back

Ghana had not conceded a goal through their first two matches, and for half an hour that record held. Then Petar Sucic took aim from distance in the 31st minute and beat the goalkeeper to give Croatia the lead, the kind of strike that rewards a side willing to shoot rather than overplay around the box.

Croatia could not build on it. Ghana grew into the contest after the break and got their reward in the 73rd minute, Derrick Luckassen forcing the ball home for an equaliser that was checked and confirmed after a short review. At 1-1, with Ghana’s qualification suddenly looking healthier, the game had the feel of a draw that would have suited both teams.

Modric and Vlasic settle it

Croatia have made a career out of finding answers in moments like this, and the old reliable combination delivered. Late on, Modric swung in a corner and Vlasic rose to head it past the Ghana keeper. It was the experience in this Croatian side showing through, the kind of set-piece goal that knockout football is built on.

For all the talk of an ageing core, Modric pulling the strings and a finish from a player who has been around the national team for years is exactly the script Croatia would have written. Second place was the target after the opening-night defeat to England, and they got there.

Both teams move on, Panama go home

The result leaves Croatia second in Group L on six points, behind England and ahead of Ghana, who finished third on four points. In the old 32-team World Cup a third-placed finish would have meant elimination, but the expanded format hands the best third-placed sides a route into the knockouts, and Ghana take it. Panama, beaten in all three games, are the group’s only casualty.

Croatia now face a runner-up from another group in the last 32, while Ghana’s reward for sneaking through is a tie against a group winner. Different paths, but both still standing, and that is more than Ghana in particular would have managed under the old rules.

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