Luka Modric and Croatia can once again dream of a magical journey in the knockout phase of what is likely his final World Cup. The hitherto disappointing team, led by their 40-year-old captain, delivered when it mattered most, defeating Ghana 2-1 (1-0) in their final group game. With this victory, the «Vatreni» advance to the round of 16 with six points as group runners-up, where they will face the second-place team from Group K, featuring Portugal and Colombia, on July 2nd in Toronto.
In 2018 and 2022, the aging golden generation around Modric produced a series of sensations in the knockout rounds, culminating in a World Cup final appearance and a third-place finish. This time, Petar Sucic (30th minute) and Nikola Vlasic (83rd minute) scored the decisive goals, while Derrick Luckassen (73rd minute, after VAR review) had temporarily equalized. Ghana had already secured their place in the round of 16 prior to this match and will now face the winner of the Portugal group on July 3rd. Key player Thomas Partey is expected to play despite allegations of rape, in Kansas City.
Following disappointing performances against England and Panama, the Croatians faced significant criticism. Doubts were cast in their homeland about the capabilities of seasoned players like Modric (40), Ivan Perisic (37), and Andrej Kramaric (35). «We can play important games,» Perisic defiantly stated. However, the experienced squad showed little of that in the early stages, with a clear will to win not apparent.
Vlasic Provides Late Redemption for Croatia
The «Vatreni» ceded possession to Ghana, retreating into their own half. Their strategy of waiting for counter-attacking opportunities almost paid off when, following a catastrophic turnover by the Black Stars, Nikola Vlasic struck the post from 16 meters (17th minute). Ghana failed to capitalize on their greater share of possession. Instead, after a bad misplaced pass from Wolfsburg’s Jonas Adjetey, Sucic scored on the counter with a deflected shot.
With the lead, Croatia played with a bit more confidence, but this also opened up more space. Ghana’s star player Antoine Semenyo (40th minute) sent his shot narrowly wide after a solo run. After the break, the four-time African champions immediately increased the pressure, repeatedly threatening the Croatian goal. Zlatko Dalic’s team, however, completely switched to a management mode – and were punished after a set-piece by Luckassen. But Vlasic responded with a goal from a corner.