Ghana into World Cup last-32 despite Croatia loss, England through
The Croatian national team led by old war horse Luka Modric booked a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup following a 2-1 win over Ghana at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Croatia controlled much of the first half and took a deserved lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić opened the scoring for his team with a stunning 30-yard long-range shot.
The Black Stars leveled scores in the 73rd minute through Derrick Luckassen but the goal was initially flagged for offside but was later given after a lengthy VAR check.
However, the Croats bagged all three points in the game in the 83rd minute when Nikola Vlašić scored the match-winning header for his team following a well taken corner kick from Luka Modrić.
In the other Group L encounter, England also booked a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Panama by 2-2 in a game played at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Following a tense and uninspiring first half Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham made it 1-0 for England following a well taken corner kick delivered by Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
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Jude Bellingham later turned provider in the 62nd minute of the game when delivered a brilliant cross to Harry Kane who headed the ball home to give England a 2-0 lead.
Panama which has now exited the tournament fought hard and briefly thought they pulled a goal back through José Fajardo, but it was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Key match statistics: Croatia Vs Ghana
Ball Possession: Croatia 53% – 47% Ghana
Total Attempts: Croatia 8 – 6 Ghana
Shots on Target: Croatia 4 – 1 Ghana
Corner Kicks: Croatia 3 – 2 Ghana
Accurate Passes: Croatia 478 – 402 Ghana
Discipline: 1 Yellow Card and 1 Offside for each team
Key match statistics: England Vs Panama
Possession: Panama 33% vs. England 67%
Total Shots: Panama 12 vs. England 17
Shots on Target: Panama 2 vs. England 6
Passing Accuracy: England completed 493 passes compared to Panama’s 201
Corners: Panama 3 vs. England 7
