Crotia needed to avoid defeat against Ghana to be sure of a place in the knockout stages, but Vlasic’s effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L’s other game.
Dalic’s team took a richly deserved lead when Inter Milan midfielder Sucic collected Mateo Kovacic’s pass before arrowing a low, right-footed drive through Luckassen’s legs and into the bottom corner in the 31st minute.
It was the Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo that almost came to getting a goal for the Black Starts when he dragged a low shot narrowly wide of the far post late in the first half.
Ghana were rewarded for their improved second-half in the 73rd minute when Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah’s delivery – a goal which was awarded by the video assistant referee following a near four-minute check for offside. Kwasi Sibo was in an offside position from Nuamah’s cross, but on-field official Drew Fischer eventually informed the crowd that the Ghana number eight was not interfering with play when the ball was struck and gave the goal.
The momentum appeared to be with Ghana as the game entered the final 10 minutes, but Mario Pasalic forced Asare into a magnificent one-handed save before Vlasic nodded home Luka Modric’s corner to earn Croatia their second Group L victory.
