Vlasic Header Sends Croatia into World Cup Knockouts with 2-1 Win Over Ghana

Nikola Vlasic's header in the 83rd minute propelled Croatia to a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing second place in World Cup Group L and a spot in the knockout stage.

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Nikola Vlasic headed in Luka Modric’s 83rd-minute corner to lift Croatia to a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday and a second-place finish in World Cup Group L.

The decisive goal came just 10 minutes after Derrick Luckassen had equalized for Ghana on his international debut. The equalizer itself was subject to a lengthy VAR review to determine if Luckassen was onside. Petar Susic had given Croatia an early lead in the 31st minute with a long-range strike.

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Vlasic’s perfect finish off the inside of the left post came 10 minutes after Derrick Luckassen had pulled Ghana level on his international debut, with half the time in between spent on a VAR review determining whether he was onside.

Croatia, needing only a draw to advance, will face the second-placed team from Group K, likely Portugal or Colombia, on Thursday in Toronto. Ghana, already assured of qualification, finished third in the group and will play the winner of Group K on Friday in Kansas City.

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Susic gave Croatia a deserved lead after 31 minutes with a long-range strike into the bottom left corner.

Ghana showed significant improvement in the second half, with Luckassen's goal being their first shot on target. The equalizer stemmed from an inswinging free kick, and after a VAR check, the goal was allowed as an offside player did not interfere with the play. Despite the late drama, including Antoine Semenyo limping off with an ankle injury, Vlasic's header ultimately decided the match.

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Luckassen’s 73rd-minute goal was their first effort on target.