Luka Modric At 40 Proves Value, Sucic Backs Croatia Career Continuation

Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 at Philadelphia Stadium, with Luka Modric central to a tense World Cup group finale. Modric delivered the decisive 83rd-minute corner for Nikola Vlasic, securing second place in Group L. The result set up Croatia’s last-32 meeting with Portugal on July 3, while Ghana, despite defeat, still advanced to the knockout rounds as a best third-placed side.

Before kick-off, Croatia were level on points with England in Group L and needed victory to be sure of progress. The win means Croatia have now reached the World Cup knockout stages for the fourth time, and at each of the last three tournaments in 2018, 2022 and 2026. Ghana’s loss still brought progress, with a last-32 tie against Group K winners Colombia awaiting.

Modric reached several personal milestones during the contest. With the assist for Vlasic’s header, Modric, at 40 years and 291 days, became the oldest player on record since 1966 to register a World Cup assist. It was the 22nd World Cup appearance for Modric, who had earned a 200th international cap against Panama in Croatia’s previous fixture.

Since Modric’s World Cup debut in 2006, only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 25 games, and Lionel Messi, with 29, have played more matches in the tournament. Against Ghana, Modric again shaped Croatia’s play, recording team-high numbers for chances created with four, 102 touches, 82 accurate passes and 21 passes completed in the final third.

Luka’s influence drew strong praise from Zlatko Dalic after the match. "Luka was truly fantastic, Dalic said.He made an assist and stopped a goal twice. That's his character and his energy. He never gave up. He's been substituted a couple of times [in the first two games] but he is getting better and better. He was a role model of how things should be. He is aware that this is his last World Cup, and he's trying to do his best. I hope he stays healthy as long as possible."

The match itself unfolded in dramatic fashion. Petar Sucic opened the scoring on 31 minutes with a powerful long-range strike, putting Croatia ahead after a balanced start. Ghana responded with pressure and eventually levelled when Derrick Luckassen scored in the 73rd minute. Croatia then forced a late corner, where Modric’s delivery found Vlasic, whose header went in via the post.

Sucic highlighted Modric’s contribution and mentality when discussing how Croatia saw out the closing stages. "That's his character and his energy.He was to be substituted a couple of times. But he was getting better and better, Sucic said. He knows this is his last World Cup, and he is trying to leave with his best impression. I told him after the game, you playing like you're 20. He was incredible today. He runs a lot. He was so good with the ball. He's our leader, our best player, and we are so happy that he can lead us in this World Cup. He can play until he wants."

Sucic’s remarks echoed widespread views inside the Croatia camp that Modric remains central, despite earlier substitutions in the tournament’s first two matches. The performance against Ghana suggested growing rhythm, with Modric’s energy without the ball matching his distribution. Croatia relied on that composure late on, as Modric maintained control in midfield and guided Croatia through a tense finish.

Luka Modric World Cup format and Ghana view

For Ghana, the defeat brought mixed feelings, with progress offset by concerns raised by head coach Carlos Queiroz about the enlarged 48-team World Cup format. "With so many teams qualifying for the World Cup, I think the value of the competition in terms of being rare to be in the World Cup, is, in my opinion, still debatable, he said. Even the qualification matches in Europe and Africa, they start to lose significance, meaning, because everybody is qualified."

Queiroz also reflected on Ghana’s display, describing the defensive errors that led to the late goal as an important lesson. "The best thing about this game is what we learned from the game. We learn a lot of things in terms of our evolution, our progress,Queiroz added. We have a clear picture about the performance of some players, what we can do differently in the next coming games." The team now prepares for a third appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, after previous runs deep into the tournament.

Modric’s age-related record also drew attention beyond the two dugouts, with data specialists highlighting the achievement.

The combination of team targets and individual landmarks ensured the contest carried significance for both sides. Croatia extended a record of advancing from the group stage in recent tournaments, with Modric again central to that success. Ghana, hurt by late defensive lapses, still gained another chance in the last 32, where Colombia await in a high-stakes knockout tie.