Nikola Vlasic scored late to earn Croatia a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia and ensure a second-place finish behind England in Group L.
Both sides were in strong positions going into their final group game and both have progressed to the last 32, despite Ghana being denied second spot by Vlasic’s late finish, though the result also confirmed Scotland’s elimination.
The former West Ham forward headed Luka Modric’s corner in off the inside of the post seven minutes from time, after Carlos Queiroz’s team looked to have earned a point via Derrick Luckassen’s 73rd-minute goal.
Petar Sucic had earlier put Zlatko Dalic’s side ahead earlier with a fine strike from outside the box, as they looked to build on a 1-0 win over Panama that got their campaign back on track.
Steve Clarke’s Scotland had seen their prospects dwindle by the day since their group campaign ended with defeat to Brazil, but with Ghana’s third-place finish on fourth points confirmed, the last lingering hopes of a last-32 appearance were ended.
Ghana looked like earning a point to remain in unbeaten in the group when Ernest Nuamah’s free-kick was sidefooted into the net by Luckassen.
But Croatia, who finished second in 2018 and third at the last edition in Qatar, hit the winner to put their 4-2 opening defeat to England behind them and ensure they progress as runners-up.
PA
