Croatia 2-1 Ghana: Croatia Edge Ghana To Confirm Second Spot In Group L

Croatia were eventually able to get the better of Ghana after what was a long, hard-fought fixture for both sides, with a late Vlasic header ultimately being the only thing to separate the two sides.

For a large portion of the first half, we saw a very similar performance to many of the other matches in Group L, with few chances of any note being created as both sides looked to take turns in having periods of non-threatening possession.

However, around 20 minutes into the match, we began to see a bit more attacking intent, with Croatia having the most threatening strike of the game so far, capitalising on a loose Ghana ball where Sucic drilled a Low shot across the box, which then came crashing off the post, and acted as the first real warning sign for Ghana.

Ghana did not take Vlasic's warning strike seriously enough, as he popped again ten minutes later to put his side in front with a stunning long-range effort, which caught Benjamin Asare and the rest of the Ghana defense off guard.

The Black Stars were eventually able to respond deep into the second half through Derrick Luckassen, whose goal was subject to a lengthy VAR check before eventually being given the green light.  

However, ten minutes later, Croatia were able to hit back from a Luka Modric corner, with Nikola Vlasic arriving in the box to nod home and take all three points for Zlatko Dalic's side. 

Croatia's Midfield Masterclass

Croatia's final match of Group L was the first time this tournament that we have really been able to see the team's midfield perform to the best of their ability, with Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric rolling back the years to produce a fine midfield performance, which ultimately became the deciding factor of tonight's game. 

With Modric and Kovacic being able to control the middle of the park in this fixture, with Croatia boasting 53% percent of possession, this further allowed them to provide their team with a solid platform to dictate the pace of the game, which is something they have arguably struggled with in previous games.

But the vital assists the pair were both able to provide for both of Croatia's goals proved to be the decisive factor in their side claiming the three points, and the Cherry on top of a great display from two veterans of the modern game.

Ghana Hit By Reality Check

After riding the initial wave of Carlos Queiroz's first win as boss of the Black Stars and the side's impressive draw with now group winners England, tonight's defeat has brought Ghana back down to Earth from the high the squad has been on for the entire tournament so far. 

Despite eventually hitting back from being one goal down early on, Ghana once again were pinned back and unable to find the answer to unlock the Croatian defense once more, which has now resulted in them placing third in the group, but with their spot in the next round now confirmed through the best third placed teams table.

Ghana may feel hard done by, having created two more big chances than Croatia, as well as amassing a higher XG than their opponents, but now will ultimately not care too much as they look forward to the knockout stages of the tournament, a sentence many fans would not have believed to be uttered only a few months prior.

What Does This Mean For Group L

Now that both sides have had their final positions in Group L confirmed, their round of 32 opponents have also been confirmed, with Croatia set to potentially face tougher opponents than Ghana despite finishing above them.

Croatia will now face Portugal in the round of 32, as things stand, with Roberto Martinez's side currently sitting second in Group K, with top spot currently going to Colombia.

Ghana, on the other hand, will face the winners of Group K, which once again, as things stand, will be Colombia.

It's safe to say that both sets of Ghanaian and Croatian supporters will be sitting eagerly waiting to hear the news of who they will face in the knockout phases, with both likely wanting to avoid crossing paths with Cristiano Ronaldo's side.