Croatia see off Ghana to reach the last 32

Croatia claimed second in Group L with a 2-1 win over Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field, a late Nikola Vlasic header settling a tight contest. Luka Sucic had opened the scoring, and the 2018 finalists showed their experience to edge a determined Ghana and book a Round of 32 meeting with Portugal. Ghana, despite the loss, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

How it unfolded: Sucic, a Ghana reply, then Vlasic

Sucic put Croatia ahead on 31 minutes, but Ghana levelled on 73 through Luckassen, the goal surviving a VAR review for a marginal Partey offside judged not to interfere. Vlasic settled it on 83 minutes with a header, and Croatia held firm late as Ghana chased a second equaliser that never came.

Context: experience carries the golden generation on

Croatia's composure and midfield craft told once more, with Sucic's opener and Vlasic's decisive header reflecting a blend of youth and experience that has long served them well. Reaching the knockouts keeps alive the hopes of a side chasing another deep run, and a tie with Portugal promises a tactical, finely-balanced encounter between two nations who know exactly what knockout football demands. Ghana can be proud of a competitive campaign and a best-third finish that keeps them alive, even if the marginal VAR call on their equaliser will be discussed long after.

The table: Croatia second, Portugal await

Croatia finished second in Group L on six points behind England, setting up a Round of 32 tie with Portugal; Ghana took third (best-third, to face Colombia) and Panama exit at the bottom. Our forecast of under 2.5 goals missed narrowly in a three-goal contest, as a late winner tipped the game just past the line.