Vlasic header sends Croatia into World Cup knockouts with 2-1 win over Ghana
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Croatia's Nikola Vlasic scores the winning goal as Croatia beat Ghana 2-1.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PHILADELPHIA – Nikola Vlasic headed in Luka Modric’s 83rd-minute corner to lift Croatia to a 2-1 victory over Ghana on June 27 and a second-place finish in World Cup Group L.
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.
Petar Susic scored early for Croatia, who needed only a draw to reach the last 32. Claiming the second-place spot guaranteed the 2022 third-place finishers a meeting with the second-placed team in Group K, most likely Portugal or Colombia, on July 2 in Toronto.
“We’re not going to be euphoric about this,” Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic told reporters.
“I think we’re back to where we were, like nine years ago. But that’s again a small step to achieve the first objective, to go to the knockout stage.”
The long-serving boss said there was a lot of “suspicion” about his team’s quality after the early matches, describing some of the commentary as “pitiful”.
“This national team deserves better because we had so many fans rooting for Croatia,” he added.
“Even when losing or winning, they should be loved because of everything they have done for the people and for the country. This needs to be appreciated and not go against it the moment they lose.”
The 40-year-old Modric played his first full 90 minutes of the tournament and had arguably his best match while becoming the oldest player in World Cup history to contribute an assist.
He was also tenacious in defence, blocking Ghana shots on goal and harrying their attackers throughout.
“Luka was truly fantastic... That’s his character and his energy,” Dalic said.
“Just as he was throughout his career, he was like that tonight. And I’m very glad that this is how it turned out tonight.
“He’s aware that this is the last World Cup and he’s trying to do his best... I hope that he will be healthy and that he stays with the Croatians for as long as possible.”
Dalic also gave himself credit for revving up Italy-based attacker Vlasic who was promoted to the starting 11 against Ghana after not playing against Panama.
Vlasic struck the post from distance in the first half before thumping in a powerful header.
“This is how he has played throughout the season,” said Dalic.
“He showed this tonight as well. Before the match I told him, ‘it’s your match’. And it turned out to be so.”
Ghana third in group
Ghana, who finished third in the group, were already assured of qualification and will meet the winners of Group K, Portugal or Colombia, on July 3 in Kansas City.
Susic gave Croatia a deserved lead after 31 minutes with a long-range strike into the bottom left corner.
“I think first half, we had the ball but we didn’t do a lot with it,” Luckassen said. “We were just playing around.
“And second half, we pressed forward, we tried to put the balls in, and it was a lot better in the second half.”
Ghana were much improved in the second half, but Luckassen’s 73rd-minute goal was their first effort on target.
Ernest Nuamah delivered an inswinging free kick over Croatia’s defensive line and Luckassen clearly came from an onside position to knock the ball into the net at the back post.
Referee Drew Fischer was summoned to the monitor, where he determined that Kwasi Sibol, who was in an offside position, did not interfere in the play.
Ghanaian joy was short-lived, however, as Modric’s corner sailed beyond the penalty spot towards the back post, where Vlasic was given space to meet it with the side of his head and nod it downwards in the one place goalkeeper Benjamin Asare could not save it.
Luckassen was only on the field because manager Carlos Queiroz spared his three players on yellow cards.
“It was a nice feeling,” Luckassen said. “But I’m a bit disappointed about the loss.”
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo limped off in the late stages after suffering an apparent ankle injury, but was able to return to complete the 90 minutes. REUTERS