Croatia Beat Ghana 2-1 to Reach Knockout Stage, Scotland Eliminat

Although Ghana suffered defeat, they also progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. The result, however, ended Scotland's World Cup campaign, as they could no longer finish among the top eight third-placed sides.

Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute through Petar Sucic. Receiving a pass from Mateo Kovacic, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area into the bottom-left corner, giving the Croatians a deserved advantage.

A minute earlier, Croatia had gone close when Luka Modric's free-kick found Ivan Perisic in the middle of the box. His header, however, was brilliantly saved by Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who dived low to his left to keep the score level.

Ghana began the second half with renewed urgency but missed an early opportunity. Abdul Fatawu fired over the crossbar from outside the area after being set up by Derrick Lukasen.

The African side continued to push forward, and Kamaldeen Sulemana saw his long-range effort blocked by a Croatian defender in the 56th minute.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic was shown a yellow card in the 68th minute before Ghana found the equaliser five minutes later.

From a well-delivered set-piece by Ernest Nuamah, Derrick Lukasen met the cross at close range and slotted a left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner. The goal was initially subject to a VAR review but was ultimately allowed to stand, bringing Ghana level at 1-1.

Croatia almost restored their lead in the 81st minute when Mario Pasalic unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box after a pass from Martin Baturina. Benjamin Asare once again came to Ghana's rescue with an outstanding save, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

The decisive moment arrived just a minute later. Luka Modric delivered a pinpoint corner into the penalty area, where Nikola Vlasic rose highest to head the ball into the bottom-left corner, restoring Croatia's lead at 2-1.

Neither side was able to find another goal in the closing stages despite creating several attacking opportunities.

The victory ensured Croatia finished second in Group L and advanced to the knockout stage, while Ghana also progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Scotland, meanwhile, saw their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 come to an end following the outcome in Philadelphia.

MMR