Always consistent in big matches, Croatia “cleared” their qualification to the “32” of the 2026 World Cup and even secured second place in Group 12 with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia. Thus, Zlatko Dalic’s team will face Portugal or Colombia in the knockout stages, while Ghana qualified as third and is waiting for the remaining matches to be played to find out their opponent.

The Croatians gave the lead in the 17th minute with a shot by Vlasic from 20 meters that hit Asare’s post. A little later, in the 31st minute, from almost the same spot, Suchic scored the corner and opened the scoring. Dalic’s team easily managed the match, but the Africans gradually picked up the pace and Queiroz’s substitutions helped change the scenery. Somehow they found their chance and equalized in the 73rd minute after a free kick by Semeno and a pass from Lukasen, who plays for Paphos. 
However, Croatia’s response was immediate. In the 83rd minute, Modric took a corner kick and Vlasic headed in the final 2-1, securing second place for his team. 

Referee : Drew Fisher (Canada)
Yellow cards : Perisic – Oppong

The compositions of the two teams:

CROATIA (Zlatko Dalic): Livakovic, Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Kovacic, Modric, Vlasic (88′ Guardiol), Baturina (88′ Pasalic), Suchic, Budimir (66′ Matanovic), Perisic

GHANA (Carlos Queiroz): Asare, Anjetey (46′ Oppong), Mensah, Lucassen, Senaya, Parti, Shibo (85′ Yerenky), Semenyo, Ogusu (46′ Fatau), Ayew (71′ Asante), Sulemana (71′ Nuama)