Modrić and Vlašić Break Ghana's Hearts
Modrić and Vlašić Break Ghana's Hearts as Croatia Win Philadelphia's Group Stage Finale
June 27, 2026 | Group L | Philadelphia Stadium
Philadelphia saved its most dramatic group stage match for last. On a muggy, rain-soaked evening, Croatia came from behind to beat Ghana 2-1, with Luka Modrić conjuring the assist and Nikola Vlašić supplying the header that sealed a second-place finish in Group L. It was the only one of the city's five group games in which both teams found the net, a fitting sendoff to a memorable run of matches at the Linc.
The stakes were clear on both sides. Croatia needed a win to control their own destiny, while Ghana, backed by a huge and vocal contingent of supporters, needed only a draw to be certain of advancing. The Black Stars brought color and noise to the stadium well before kickoff, but it was Croatia who took control of the first half.
The opener was a stunner. In the 31st minute Petar Sučić unleashed a rocket from outside the box that gave the Ghana goalkeeper no chance, only the second international goal of his career and one of the cleanest strikes of the tournament. Croatia might have had more before the break. Vlašić clipped a post, and Marin Pongračić headed a Modrić free kick over the bar. Ghana's best moment came late in the half through Antoine Semenyo, who beat his man and fired just wide of the far post, still searching for his first goal of a tournament that had so far eluded him despite a standout club campaign. Croatia carried a 1-0 lead into the interval.
The second half delivered the drama. In the 73rd minute Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen, brother of Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey, found the bottom right corner to level the match. A brief VAR review confirmed it, and the Ghana supporters erupted. For a stretch it looked as though the Black Stars might claim the draw they needed and leave Croatia in trouble.
But this Croatia side is built around Modrić, and the veteran maestro engineered the decisive moment. Croatia won a corner, Modrić stepped up, and his delivery found Vlašić, who rose highest and guided a header down off the inside of the post and into the net in the 83rd minute. Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare had kept his side level moments earlier with a diving stop off the top of his hand, but there was nothing he could do about the winner.
The result lifted Croatia to six points and second place in Group L behind England, sending them into the knockout rounds. Ghana still advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, so both nations progressed, softening the blow for the yellow-clad thousands who had filled the stadium. Ivan Perišić, booked earlier in the match, was among those celebrating at full time as Croatia gathered for a team photo on the Philadelphia turf, closing out the city's group stage in style.
[Photography by Trey Madara]
