Ghana’s Black Stars slipped to third place in Group L after a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, while England secured top spot with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey.
Derrick Luckassen scored his first goal for Ghana to cancel out Petar Sučić’s first-half opener, but Croatia struck late to claim all three points.
Sučić put the Croatians ahead in the 19th minute with a low drive from outside the box, giving his side a deserved lead at the break.
Ghana responded strongly after the restart and restored parity in the 73rd minute when Luckassen volleyed home Ernest Nuamah’s inviting free-kick delivery.
However, Croatia regained the lead 10 minutes later as Nikola Vlašić rose highest to head Luka Modrić’s corner past the Ghana goalkeeper, sealing second place in the group.
The hard-earned victory sends Croatia into the Round of 32
Ghana will face Group K winners in the Round of 32 at the Kansas City Stadium next week Saturday.
In the group’s other fixture, England laboured to break down an already-eliminated Panama side before scoring twice within five minutes early in the second half.
Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute before turning provider for Harry Kane, who headed home England’s second goal to wrap up the victory and confirm the Three Lions as Group L winners.
England will now await the outcome of the remaining group matches to learn their Round of 32 opponents.
