Vlasic header sends Croatia into World Cup knockouts with 2-1 win over Ghana

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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia's Nikola Vlasic scores their second goal IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/James Lang
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with Nikola Vlasic after the match REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in action with Ghana's Gideon Mensah REUTERS/Pilar Olivares
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in action with Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in action with Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana REUTERS/Brian Snyder

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PHILADELPHIA, June 27 : Nikola Vlasic headed a late winner to send Croatia into the World Cup round of 32 with a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday.

Vlasic's 83rd-minute finish from a Luka Modric corner snatched back the lead 10 minutes after Derrick Luckassen poked in an equaliser from a free kick to cancel out Petar Sucic's long-range strike in the first half.

Croatia finished second in Group L behind England, who beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday.

Ghana ended up third in the group but had already secured a place in the last 32 following a 1-0 win over Panama and 0-0 draw with England.

Source: Reuters

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