Ghana's Unbeaten Run Ends In Narrow Defeat To Croatia

Croatia secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final Group L match at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, handing the Black Stars their first defeat of the tournament.

Goals from Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic ensured the European side claimed all three points, despite a second-half equaliser from Derrick Luckassen.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz made three changes to the side that held England to a goalless draw, bringing in Derrick Luckassen, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Elisha Owusu.

Croatia made the brighter start and took the lead in the first half when Petar Sucic fired a low shot past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

The Black Stars improved after the break and found an equaliser in the 73rd minute. Luckassen reacted quickest inside the penalty area to sweep the ball home from close range and make it 1-1.

However, Ghana's joy was short-lived.

With seven minutes remaining, Ivan Perisic delivered a deep cross from the left and Nikola Vlasic, left unmarked at the back post, headed past Asare to restore Croatia's lead.

Ghana pressed for another equaliser in the closing stages. Antoine Semenyo forced Dominik Livakovic into a save in the 87th minute, while Thomas Partey's long-range effort flew over the crossbar in stoppage time.

Croatia held firm through five minutes of added time to secure victory and keep their World Cup campaign alive.

The result saw Croatia finish with six points in Group L and book their place in the Round of 32.

For Ghana, the defeat ended an unbeaten run in the competition, having previously beaten Panama and drawn with England.