Croatia Beat Ghana 2-1 As Modric Becomes Oldest World Cup Helper And Croatia Clinches Second In Group L

Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Group L, with Luka Modric becoming the oldest player to register an assist at a World Cup. The result moves Zlatko Dalic's team into second place, as Ghana drop to third but still progress to the round of 32.

The decisive moment comes seven minutes from time. Modric delivers a precise corner, and Nikola Vlasic rises to head past Benjamin Asare. That goal completes a late turnaround after Derrick Luckassen had earlier cancelled out Petar Sucic's opener for Croatia.

Croatia now finish the group in second position, climbing above Ghana at the last opportunity. Despite this defeat, Ghana remain third and also advance from Group L. Current permutations suggest Croatia face Portugal, while Ghana are due to meet Colombia in the round of 32.

Those knockout fixtures are still not locked in, however, because Portugal play Colombia later on. Results in that match could switch the opponents for both Croatia and Ghana. Even so, both teams know qualification is secure after this tense group finale.

Before the late twist, Ghana had seized momentum after half-time and seemed likely to claim top spot. The Black Stars controlled long spells of the second period and pressed Croatia back. That pressure finally told in the 73rd minute when Luckassen guided in Ernest Nuamah's superb free-kick delivery.

The equaliser appeared to jolt Croatia into action again. Mario Pasalic almost restored the lead with a powerful effort that Asare tipped over the crossbar. From the ensuing corner, Modric sent in another dangerous ball, and Vlasic made no mistake with a close-range header.

The contest began cautiously, with neither side managing a shot during the opening 15 minutes. Croatia then raised the tempo and started to threaten. Vlasic struck the left post with a long-range attempt, before Ivan Perisic directed a header that Asare gathered without difficulty.

Croatia finally broke through shortly after the half-hour mark. Mateo Kovacic combined cleverly in midfield and released Sucic in space outside the penalty area. Sucic then drove a precise low strike into the bottom-left corner to give Dalic's side a deserved half-time advantage.

Ghana created little in the first period, managing only one effort on goal. Antoine Semenyo went closest, drilling narrowly wide of the far post from a tight angle. After the interval, Abdul Fatawu tried a speculative shot from distance, but that effort flew harmlessly over Dominik Livakovic's bar.

While Ghana improved later, Croatia still carved out important openings. Pasalic's late strike forced a strong save from Asare, which directly led to the winning corner. Earlier, Perisic's aerial presence and Vlasic's shooting from range had offered regular warning signs for the Black Stars' defence.

Croatia vs Ghana World Cup milestones and key performers

Modric's role goes far beyond the decisive assist. At 40 years and 291 days, Modric now becomes the oldest player to provide a World Cup assist, adding another record to an already decorated international career and highlighting continuing influence in Croatia's midfield structure.

The playmaker dominates many key metrics in this match. Modric creates a match-high four chances and has more touches than any player, with 102. Modric also completes 82 accurate passes, the most on the pitch, setting the rhythm for Croatia's possession throughout the evening.

Martin Baturina delivers crucial support alongside Modric in central areas. The Como midfielder wins eight duels, more than any other Croatia player. Baturina also records six ball recoveries and draws five fouls, repeatedly disrupting Ghana's build-up and helping Croatia regain control after periods of pressure.

Croatia's response across the group stage underlines strong tournament resilience. After an opening defeat against England, many observers suggest Dalic's squad are past their peak. Croatia answer those doubts by producing back-to-back victories, including this success over Ghana, to secure second place and extend another World Cup campaign.

Ghana still emerge from Group L with credit after qualifying, although this loss costs a higher seeding. Nuamah's set-piece quality, Luckassen's composed finish and disciplined second-half pressing show why the Black Stars remain dangerous opponents as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.

Croatia leave the group stage with momentum, carried by Modric's record assist and Vlasic's late header. Ghana advance with lessons from this narrow defeat, knowing small details decided top-two positions. Both nations now turn attention to the round of 32 and higher-stakes football ahead.