In the knockout stage, Croatia are through, with Ghana also qualifying

Darwin, 28 June : Croatia beat Ghana 2–1 in the final Group “L” match of the group stage. With this result, Croatia finished with 6 points from 3 matches and advanced to the next round as group runners-up.

Despite the defeat, Ghana also progressed to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, having collected 4 points.

At the Philadelphia Stadium on Sunday, Croatia dominated possession from the start. Under Zlatko Dalić, captain Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić controlled the midfield for most of the first half.

In the 17th minute, Nikola Vlašić hit the post with a shot, narrowly missing the opening goal. However, Croatia broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić fired a powerful 30-yard strike into the net.

Ghana, coached by Carlos Queiroz, improved after the break and found an equaliser in the 73rd minute through a header from Derek Lukashen. The assistant referee initially flagged offside, but VAR confirmed the goal.

However, Croatia regained the lead in the 83rd minute when Luka Modrić delivered an excellent in-swinging corner, and Nikola Vlašić headed home to make it 2–1.

Ghana pushed hard for another equaliser in the final minutes but failed to score again, and Croatia held on for victory.

In the other Group “L” match, England defeated Panama 2–0 to top the group and move into the knockout stage as group leaders.