Croatia beats Ghana in sellout World Cup match in Philadelphia

A sellout crowd packed Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday night as Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in a rain-soaked FIFA World Cup match.

Croatia secured second place in Group L, while both teams advanced to the tournament’s knockout stage.

The match marked the fourth sellout of the World Cup games at the South Philadelphia venue.

Despite steady rain before kickoff, fans arrived prepared with ponchos and umbrellas and embraced the weather.

“Soccer is amazing in the rain. It makes for a fun game,” said Maura Barbour of Philadelphia. “Poncho, a couple waters for hydration, we have a red and yellow card in case we need to make some calls. We’re ready.”

Fans from both countries spent the day celebrating throughout Philadelphia before converging on the Sports Complex. Croatian supporters gathered on the Rocky Steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while Ghanaian fans celebrated at FDR Park before marching to the stadium.

For many in attendance, the match represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“My entire life I never really thought that I would get to experience a World Cup because we’re in the U.S. and soccer is not huge here,” said Kevin Brown of Frederick, Maryland. “Seeing one live in person, the experience is just surreal.”

Ghana energized its supporters by scoring the tournament’s 200th goal, prompting a loud celebration inside the stadium and at nearby Stateside Live. However, Croatia responded with two goals to secure the victory.

“I must say that it’s expected that they would win, but Ghana was also good,” said Tamara Crnjak, who traveled from Croatia. “They are running fast. They are not bad.”

Although Ghana fell short Saturday night, its supporters remained optimistic about the team’s chances in the knockout stage.

“I have confidence in the boys,” said Benny Mensa of Houston. “Anybody who’s going to be meeting us has got to be scared because Ghana, we’re going for the cup. It’s about time an African team wins the cup.”

Francis Adubotwe of Sicklerville, New Jersey, said attending the tournament in the United States was especially meaningful.

“We’ve been consistent going to the World Cup since 2006, but last four years we couldn’t make it,” Adubotwe said. “Making it today, coming to the U.S., it’s so amazing for me.”

The victory secured Croatia a second-place finish in Group L. Ghana also advanced and will face the winner of Group K in the knockout round.

Philadelphia Stadium will host its final FIFA World Cup match on July 4.