Croatia 2-1 Ghana: Black Stars Go Through as Third but the Journey Is Not Over

Sponsored by

Betway AfricaGet Bonus

Petar Sucic struck an absolute rocket from outside the box in the 31st minute and it was one of those goals where the goalkeeper does not move because there is nothing they can do. Benjamin Asare barely had time to register what had happened before the ball was in the bottom corner. Ghana had gone into the game knowing that a draw or a win would likely be enough to go through as third. They spent much of the first half trying to find their way through a Croatia side that was perfectly organised and sharply motivated.

The second half was different. Queiroz brought energy from the bench and Derrick Luckassen's 73rd-minute equaliser from an Ernest Nuamah free-kick delivery sent the thousands of Ghanaian fans in yellow into pure joy. The VAR check for offside lasted long enough to make Accra hold its collective breath, and then the confirmation came and The Valley became very loud. Seven minutes later, Nikola Vlasic headed Modric's pinpoint corner delivery into the bottom corner and Croatia had their winner. Ghana lost the game 2-1 but they gained something more important: qualification for the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, and a meeting with Colombia in Kansas City.

What the Black Stars Showed in This Group Stage

Ghana beat Panama 1-0. Drew 0-0 with England, holding the tournament favourites to a clean sheet and proving that Queiroz's defensive organisation is genuinely elite. Then lost 2-1 to Croatia but still advanced. Four points from three games. The Black Stars are back in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2010. Everything that follows Colombia is a bonus for a team that came into this tournament with the weight of a twelve-year absence on their shoulders. The Colombia game in Kansas City is next, and Ghana will not go there just to make up the numbers.

Odds are indicative and subject to change. Always check the operator site before placing. 18+ only. Please bet responsibly.

This content is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or betting advice. Please bet responsibly. 18+ only.