By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, June 27, GNA – Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia at the Philadelphia Stadium but still secured qualification to the Round of 32.
The Black Stars finished third in Group L with four points, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Both sides started cautiously, enjoying spells of possession but creating few clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Kamaldeen Sulemana lost possession in the 18th minute, allowing Nikola Vlašić to pounce, but his effort struck the base of the post.
Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić unleashed a long-range strike that beat Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Ghana’s midfield, marshalled by Elisha Owusu and Thomas Partey, struggled to impose themselves and committed several unforced errors.
Antoine Semenyo came close to equalising four minutes before the break, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku after the interval, and the winger nearly made an immediate impact with a 25-yard effort that went wide.
Ghana pressed for an equaliser but were let down by poor passing in the final third.
The Black Stars drew level in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen tapped home from close range following an Ernest Nuamah free-kick.
The goal stood after a lengthy VAR review.
Croatia, however, responded quickly.
Mario Pašalić forced a fine save from Asare, but Sučić rose highest to head home the resulting corner and restored his side’s lead.
Despite the defeat, Ghana advance to the next stage and will face the winner of Group K, either Colombia or Portugal.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare [email protected]