Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Mateo Kovacic provides as Croatia secure 2nd place with Ghana win

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 Minutes10 Touches3 Accurate Passes100% Pass Accuracy2 Interceptions2 Ground Duels Won1 Tackle1 Was Fouled1 Accurate Long Ball

Mateo Kovacic match statistics vs Ghana

1 Assist78 Minutes68 Touches58 Accurate Passes95% Pass Accuracy6 Passes Into Final Third2 Recoveries1 Tackle1 Chance Created1 Ground Duel Won1 Accurate Long Ball1 Touch In Opposition Box

Antoine Semenyo match statistics vs Ghana

90 Minutes30 Touches16 Accurate Passes89% Pass Accuracy2 Recoveries2 Passes Into Final Third1 Aerial Duel Won1 Ground Duel Won1 Successful Dribble1 Big Chance Missed1 Touch In Opposition Box

Data courtesy of FotMob.