- Full Time
- 94'K. Peprah Oppong
- Marco Pašalić on for M. Baturina88'
- J. Gvardiol on for N. Vlašić88'
- 85'C. Yirenkyi on for K. Sibo
- N. Vlašić83'
- Mario Pašalić on for M. Kovačić78'
- 76'D. Luckassen Goal awarded
- 73'D. Luckassen
- 71'E. Nuamah on for K. Sulemana
- 71'B. Thomas-Asante on for J. Ayew
- I. Perišić68'
- I. Matanović on for A. Budimir66'
- 46'A. Fatawu on for E. Owusu
- 46'K. Peprah Oppong on for J. Adjetey
- Half Time
- P. Sučić31'
- Kick Off
-
1
Petar Sucic1 - 2
Derrick Luckassen1 - 3Nikola Vlasic1
- 1Mario Pasalic2
- 2Abdul Fatawu2
- 3Nikola Vlasic2
- 1Marvin Senaya3
- 2Ivan Perisic2
- 3Kamaldeen Sulemana2
- 1Luka Modric1
- 2Ernest Nuamah1
- 3Mateo Kovacic1
- 1Luka Modric4
- 2Martin Baturina2
- 3Ernest Nuamah2
- 1Josip Sutalo82
- 2Luka Modric82
- 3Derrick Luckassen71
- 1Kamaldeen Sulemana3
- 2Abdul Fatawu2
- 3Marco Pasalic2
- 1Gideon Mensah4
- 2Thomas Partey3
- 3Marvin Senaya2
Croatia struck late to claim a 2-1 win over Ghana in their final game in Group L. In doing so they finished second in the group, guaranteeing themselves a place in the Round of 32.
The first half saw Croatia take control of the game. They saw more of the ball, created more chances and led the way in almost every metric. Despite this they were able to find the net and the opening 30 minutes of the game lacked real quality and chances.
That all changed just after the half hour when Petar Sucic was able to open the scoring for the European side. It was a low, well placed shot from the midfielder, who collected the ball 30 yards out and found the bottom corner from distance.
It was a goal that proved to be the difference at half time and Ghana went into the break without really threatening the Croatian defence.
The second half saw momentum swing the other way, with Ghana coming into the game more and creating better quality chances in the final third. With just under 20 minutes remaining the African side were finally able to get themselves back on terms.
Derrick Luckassen was the man to drag his nation back into things, finishing smartly at the back post after Ernest Nuamah’s free kick caught the Croatian defence napping.
Ghana didn’t enjoy parity from long, though. Just 10 minutes later, Croatia were in front again. This time it was Nikola Vlasic with the goal. He was able to rise highest to meet Luka Modric’s corner and send his header into the bottom corner.
It was a goal that proved to be enough to seal the victory for Croatia and assure them of second place in Group L. Despite the loss Ghana were also able to advance but it remains to be seen who both nations will face in the next round.
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