Croatia 2-1 Ghana: Modric makes history and helps Croatia to second place in Group L

Luka Modric became the oldest player ever to provide an assist at a World Cup as Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to secure second place in Group L. After an equalizer from Derrick Luckassen, who canceled out Petar Sucic's opening goal for Croatia, Modric scored the decisive goal with a corner kick, which was headed into the goal by Nikola Vlasic, seven minutes before the end. With this victory, the Croats jumped over Ghana in the standings, while Ghana finished third in the group stage.

Both teams had no shots on target in the first 15 minutes, but Croatia quickly gained momentum. Vlasic hit the left cross with a shot from distance, while Ivan Perisic's header was easily parried by Benjamin Asare. The breakthrough came just after the half hour when Sucic found the bottom corner with a shot from outside the box from a smart attack by Mateo Kovacic.

Ghana's only shot in the first half came from Antoine Semenyo, who fired just wide from a difficult angle, while Abdul Fatawu fired a long-range shot over the goal after the break. However, the Black Stars controlled the match after half-time and found the equalizer in the 73rd minute when Luckassen beautifully fired home Ernest Nuamah's free kick.

The equalizer seemed to rouse Croatia, and Mario Pasalic saw a solid shot tipped over the crossbar by Asare, but Vlasic headed the ball into the goal from the subsequent corner, securing the win.

With this victory, Croatia has qualified for the next round of the World Championship. Despite finishing second and third in the last two editions, Croatia were seen as a team past their prime, especially after their opening defeat to England in this edition. Yet, as is often the case, Croatia showed that they should not be underestimated, bouncing back from that defeat with two wins to take second place in the group.

Modric, who led the match with four chances created, the most touches (102) and accurate passes (82) of any player, proved at 40 years and 291 days that he can still play a crucial role. Martin Baturina did much of the dirty work in midfield, with the most duels won (eight) and the most ball recoveries (six). Croatia are now set to face Portugal in the round of 32, while Ghana, despite the defeat, are also through and will face Colombia depending on the outcome of the Portugal vs Colombia match later.

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