Croatia advance to knockouts as Ghana lose 2-1 in exciting game

Croatia have defeated Ghana 2-1 to take second place in Group L and move on to the next round of the World Cup. Midfielder Petar Sucic scored the first goal for Croatia in the first half. Ghana played much better in the second half and tied the game when Defender Derrick Luckassen scored. However, Croatia fought hard and won the game late on when Forward Nikola Vlasic scored with a header. Croatia will now play a knockout match in Toronto on Thursday.

For a short time during the day, Croatia was in first place in the group. That changed when England, led by Manager Thomas Tuchel, beat Panama 2-0 to take the top spot.

Ghana already knew they were going to the next round before the match even started, thanks to their earlier win over Panama and a draw with England. This will be their third time playing in the knockout rounds of a World Cup.

How the match happened

Croatia had the first big chance of the game in the 17^th minute. Forward Nikola Vlasic found some space and hit the outside of the goal post with a low shot.

Midfielder Petar Sucic scored for Croatia just after 30 minutes. He took a shot from far away, and the ball went right through the legs of Defender Derrick Luckassen and past Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. This was only his second goal for his country.

This goal pushed Ghana to attack more. Forward Antoine Semenyo ran into the penalty area but missed his shot just wide of the goal.

At half-time, Manager Carlos Queiroz introduced some changes to the Ghana team. He brought on Winger Abdul Fatawu to replace Midfielder Elisha Owusu. Winger Abdul Fatawu immediately tried to score but hit his shot over the crossbar.

Ghana kept pushing forward. Their hard work was rewarded in the 73^rd minute when Defender Derrick Luckassen scored from a set piece. The referee took four minutes to check a video replay before allowing the goal.

Interestingly, this means Derrick Luckassen's family has now scored four goals at this World Cup. His brother, Forward Brian Brobbey, has already scored three times for the Netherlands.

After Ghana tied the game, Croatia quickly attacked again. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made a great save in the 82^nd minute to stop Midfielder Mario Pasalic. But from the corner kick that followed, Midfielder Luka Modric crossed the ball to Forward Nikola Vlasic. He had enough space to head the ball into the net and win the game for Croatia.