Croatia through to knockout stages after beating Ghana

FIFA World Cup

>Croatia 2 - 1 Ghana FT

Nikola Vlasic's late header earned Croatia all three points against Ghana in Philadelphia [Getty Images]Nikola Vlasic scored a late header as Croatia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with victory over already-qualified Ghana in Philadelphia.

>Zlatko Dalic's side needed to avoid defeat against the Black Stars to be sure of a place in the knockout stages, but Vlasic's effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L's other game.

>Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic's stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a point and will now head into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides.

>Croatia's victory also ended any lingering hopes Scotland may have had of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Scotland's elimination from World Cup confirmedFinalists in 2018 and semi-finalists four years later, Croatia carried the greater threat in the first half and went close to taking the lead on 17 minutes, when Vlasic's long-range drive grazed the outside of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare's right-hand post.

>But Dalic's team took a richly deserved lead when Inter Milan midfielder Sucic collected Mateo Kovacic's pass before arrowing a low, right-footed drive through Luckassen's legs and into the bottom corner.

>Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo dragged a low shot narrowly wide of the far post late in the first half, but it would have been a scarcely deserved equaliser for Carlos Quieroz's side, who failed to muster a first-half shot on target for the third game in succession.

>However, the Black Stars appeared revitalised by the half-time introduction of Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, who flashed a powerful shot narrowly over the bar not long after the restart.

>Ghana were rewarded for their improved second-half showing when Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah's delivery – a goal which was awarded by the video assistant referee following a near four-minute check for offside.

>Kwasi Sibo was in an offside position from Nuamah's cross, but on-field official Drew Fischer eventually informed the crowd that the Ghana number eight was not interfering with play when the ball was struck and gave the goal.

>The momentum appeared to be with Ghana as the game entered the final 10 minutes, but Vlasic nodded home Luka Modric's delivery to earn Croatia their second Group L victory.

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