Croatia Beat Ghana 2-1 to Reach FIFA World Cup Knockouts

Croatia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana, thanks to goals from Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic in an entertaining Group L clash.

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Zlatko Dalic's men showed attacking intent from the opening whistle despite knowing a draw could have been enough to progress. Nikola Vlasic nearly opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rattling the outside of the post with a powerful strike from distance.

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Croatia finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when 22-year-old Petar Sucic unleashed a stunning 30-yard effort that flew through a crowd of defenders and nestled inside the left post. The goal also made Sucic the second-youngest Croatian to score at a FIFA World Cup.

Ghana struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Antoine Semenyo coming closest after narrowly missing the target before the break.

The Black Stars improved after halftime and found their equaliser in the 73rd minute. Derrick Luckassen capitalised on poor marking from a free-kick to slot home and restore hope for Carlos Queiroz's side.

However, Croatia responded in style just ten minutes later. Luka Modric delivered a pinpoint corner that found an unmarked Nikola Vlasic, who powered a header in off the post to restore Croatia's lead.

The victory lifted Croatia above the already-qualified Black Stars into second place in Group L, securing their place in the knockout rounds.

Your votes are in – Petar Sučić is the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 👏

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/0iA8BPuzNy

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 27, 2026

Player of the Match: Petar Sucic (Croatia).