Nikola Vlasic’s late winner sends Croatia into World Cup knockouts

Nikola Vlasic’s late winner sent Croatia to the knockout stage as they beat Ghana 2-1 on Saturday to secure second place in World Cup (WC) Group L.

Vlasic scored through a header just 10 minutes after Derrick Luckassen had pulled Ghana level on his international debut.

Croatia needed only a draw to reach the last 32. Claiming the second-place spot is guaranteed. The 2018 runners will play, most likely Portugal or Colombia, on Thursday in Toronto.

Ghana, who ended their Group L campaign third, were already in the knockout stage after a win over Panama and a draw against England.

Ghana will meet the winners of Group K, Portugal or Colombia, on Friday in Kansas City.
Croatia took the lead through Petar Sucic in the first half, who broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.

It was a fantastic strike from 30 yards out from Sucic, keeping the ball hard and low and finding the bottom corner.

Luckassen scored an equaliser for Ghana in the 73rd minute of the match. Ernest Nuamah sent a floating free-kick into the box and Luckassen, at the far post, guided a side-footed volley into the net.

The goal was flagged offside by the assistant, but following a check by the video assistant referee, it was given as a goal.

Croatia restored their one-goal lead quickly. Luka Modric’s corner from the right was met by Vlasic and was put into the net after a powerful header.
England finished top of Group L after a 2-0 victory over Panama.