Vlasic Late Strike Sends Croatia Through as Luckassen Equaliser Erased
Nikola Vlasic struck in the 83rd minute to give Croatia a 2-1 win over Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, ending Ghana's World Cup after a dramatic finale.
C roatia secured second place in Group L with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27 in front of 68,324 fans. Nikola Vlasic's late goal proved decisive in a contest that swung sharply in its closing stages.
Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute, only for Derrick Luckassen to equalise for Ghana in the 73rd minute and threaten to overturn the group standings. Vlasic then settled the tie with a goal ten minutes from time, sending Croatia through with six points.
Ghana are eliminated after finishing third in Group L with four points. Croatia's late winner ensures they advance to the round of 32, where they will face another group winner.