Croatia Advances in World Cup; Modric Sets New Assist Record
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Luka Modric became the oldest player to provide an assist in a World Cup at 40 years and 291 days old.
- Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to advance to the round of 16, with Ghana also qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
- Modric's assist was a corner that Nikola Vlasic headed in for Croatia's winning goal.
Luka Modric has set a new World Cup record, becoming the oldest player to register an assist at the age of 40 years and 291 days. The Croatian midfielder achieved this milestone during his 201st international match when he delivered a corner that Nikola Vlasic headed in for the decisive goal in Croatia's 2-1 victory over Ghana. This win propels Croatia into the round of 16. Ghana also advances as one of the best third-placed teams. Croatia took an early lead through Petar Sucic's long-range strike, which found the net despite the goalkeeper's efforts. Ghana appeared to equalize in the second half with a free-kick goal by Derrick Luckassen, but the celebration was cut short by a VAR review. The goal was ultimately allowed to stand. However, Nikola Vlasic soon restored Croatia's lead with a header, securing the win and advancing Croatia, the 2018 silver medalists and 2022 bronze medalists, to the next stage. The group's top spot was decided by England's performance, with Croatia set to face the second-placed team in Group K, while Ghana will play the winner of Group K.
40 years and 291 days old Luka Modric became the oldest with a goal assist in a World Cup.
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.