Croatia survived an unlikely defeat by a resolute Ghana side in both sides’ last Group L game of the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia on Saturday night.
Croatia have avoided defeat when scoring first in the FIFA World Cup.
Petar Sucic ensured that the 2018 World Cup finalists got ahead in the 31st minute with a long-range low shot from distance.
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Before the first-half goal, Nikola Vlasic hit the woodwork in the 17th minute as Croatian midfield and attacking players pressed the West Africans and poured forward in search of an opening goal.
Ghana’s second-half substitute Abdul Fatawu went for glory as he shot from distance moments after his introduction.
The Leicester City forward then delivered a good cross, but Antoine Semenyo failed to convert from close range, much to the relief of the Croatian defence.
With England scoring in the other Group L game against Panama, the complexion of the group standings changed, but a promising attack by the 2010 quarterfinalists was broken as Kamaldeen Sulemana gave away the ball frustratingly, as the counter-attack they launched was foiled.
Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana gave away a promising attack cheaply as they launched a counterattack.
Nikola Vlasic put Croatia back ahead again with only seven minutes left on the match clock with a textbook header from a corner kick.
Ghana’s supposed goal was checked by VAR after Kovacic impeded a goal-scoring opportunity.
Derrick Lukassen’s goal, however, stood, much to the delight of the Black Stars players, officials and fans alike.
Ghana finished in third place in Group L behind England and Croatia.
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