Croatia vs Ghana FIFA World Cup match result: Vlasic, Sucic strike to seal Croatia's knockout berth with 2-1 win over Ghana

Second-half substitute Nikola Vlasic emerged as the hero for Croatia, heading home an 83rd-minute winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana on Sunday. The crucial win officially punches Croatia's ticket to the World Cup Round of 32.With the victory, the 2022 bronze medalists finish second in Group L behind group-toppers England, while Ghana progresses as the third-place team. The Black Stars had already secured their spot in the knockouts before the match, marking their first progression past the group stage since 2010.

Croatia drew first blood in the 31st minute through midfielder Luka Sucic. The rising star unleashed an absolute rocket from well outside the penalty box, leaving the Ghanaian goalkeeper with no chance as it flew in for his second career international goal.Croatia completely dominated the first half and could have comfortably doubled their advantage. Vlašic rattled the post early on, and a precision free-kick from veteran maestro Luka Modric was headed agonizingly over the crossbar by Marin Pongracic. Ghana threatened late in the half when a quick counter-attack saw Antoine Semenyo beat his marker, but his low drive rolled just wide of the left post.Ghana returned from the interval with renewed intent and finally reaped rewards in the 73rd minute.

Defender Derrick Luckassen found the bottom right corner with a clinical finish. Following a brief VAR review, thousands of yellow-clad Ghanaian supporters inside the stadium erupted into a frenzy. It was the first time in five matches played at Philadelphia during this tournament that both teams found the back of the net.Ghanaian shot-stopper Benjamin Asare briefly kept the scores level with a spectacular, fingertip diving save to tip a goal-bound effort over the crossbar.

However, his resistance broke just a minute later. Off a signature Luka Modric corner kick, an unmarked Vlašic rose highest to plant a firm header past Asare, celebrating with outstretched arms to seal the tie.While top marquee names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland have consistently grabbed headlines, Ghana's premier attacker Antoine Semenyo remains searching for his first goal. Despite a blockbuster Premier League season with Manchester City, Semenyo went dry against Panama, England, and Croatia. Fortunately for the Black Stars, they have at least one more match in the knockouts for their star forward to rediscover his scoring boots.