World Cup 2026: When the ‘Black Stars’ Score Points

Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute thanks to a stunning strike from outside the box by Luka Sučić. The 23-year-old midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range shot that rocketed into the net, scoring his second international goal of his career.

After several attacking efforts, Ghana equalized in the 73rd minute. Derrick Luckassen fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net following a brief VAR check that confirmed the goal, sending Ghanaian fans in the stands into wild celebrations.

However, just 10 minutes later, Croatia regained the lead. From a corner kick taken by captain Luka Modrić, Nikola Vlašić rose high to head the ball home in the 83rd minute, sealing a 2-1 victory for the European side. Earlier, Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare had made a brilliant save to push the ball over the crossbar, but he could not stop Vlašić’s header from the subsequent corner situation.

With this win, Croatia finished the group stage in second place in Group L, behind England, while Ghana ended in third place but still advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

On Ghana’s side, Antoine Semenyo remains yet to score at the 2026 World Cup despite having numerous chances. The striker just had an impressive club season with 17 goals in the English Premier League, but he has still not opened his account after matches against Panama, England, and Croatia. Nevertheless, Ghana’s qualification for the round of 32 means Semenyo still has opportunities to end his goal drought and contribute to the team in the knockout stage.