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Mateo Kovacic recorded a goal contribution at the FIFA World Cup as Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to secure second place in Group L this tournament.

Croatia secured their spot in the World Cup round of 32 after Nikola Vlašić delivered a dramatic 83rd-minute header to seal a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia. Zlatko Dalić’s side entered the clash needing at least a point to guarantee qualification, and Vlašić’s late heroics ensured they advanced as Group L runners-up behind England.

Croatia dominated the first half and took a fully deserved lead when Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sučić latched onto a Mateo Kovačić pass to arrow a brilliant low drive into the bottom corner.

Though Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo dragged a rare opportunity wide for Ghana just before the break, Carlos Queiroz’s sluggish team failed to record a single first-half shot on target for the third consecutive match.

The Black Stars emerged completely revitalised in the second half, heavily sparked by the introduction of Leicester City wide-man Abdul Fatawu. Their intense pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen headed home an Ernest Nuamah cross, a goal finally awarded following a four-minute VAR review that deemed the offside Kwasi Sibo was not interfering with play.

With the momentum swinging in Ghana’s favor heading into the final 10 minutes, veteran maestro Luka Modrić produced a moment of pure quality, clipping a precise cross for Vlašić to nod past Benjamin Asare.

The late winner completely extinguished Scotland’s faint qualification hopes, meaning Ghana will now progress into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams alongside the safely qualified Croatians.

Josko Gvardiol match statistics vs Ghana

9 Minutes
10 Touches
3 Accurate Passes
100% Pass Accuracy
2 Interceptions
2 Ground Duels Won
1 Tackle
1 Was Fouled
1 Accurate Long Ball

Mateo Kovacic match statistics vs Ghana

1 Assist
78 Minutes
68 Touches
58 Accurate Passes
95% Pass Accuracy
6 Passes Into Final Third
2 Recoveries
1 Tackle
1 Chance Created
1 Ground Duel Won
1 Accurate Long Ball
1 Touch In Opposition Box

Antoine Semenyo match statistics vs Ghana

90 Minutes
30 Touches
16 Accurate Passes
89% Pass Accuracy
2 Recoveries
2 Passes Into Final Third
1 Aerial Duel Won
1 Ground Duel Won
1 Successful Dribble
1 Big Chance Missed
1 Touch In Opposition Box

Data courtesy of FotMob.

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Source: Cityxtra.co.uk