Ghana through but end Group campaign with defeat

by RUSSELL ADADEVOH
ACCRA, (CAJ News) – GHANA, who had already qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup, ended their group campaign disappointingly after a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

Going into the Group L match at the Philadelphia Stadium late Saturday, Ghana had already qualified for the last 32 but needed a win or draw to be sure of a top-two finish.

Following the defeat, the Black Stars qualified as one of the top eight sides in the table of teams that finished third.

In Philadelphia, Croatia went ahead in the 31st minute after Petar Sucic struck a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare diving in vain.

In the 40th minute, Antoine Semenyo shot narrowly wide of Dominik Livaković’s right post from inside the box.

The West African side eventually levelled in the 73rd minute when defender Derrick Luckassen scored from a set piece.

The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check, having initially been chalked off for offside.

By then, Ghana were second, with leaders England 2-0 up against Panama in the simultaneous match.

In a flash, Croatia regained their lead and second spot after Nikola Vlašić headed in from a corner in the 84th minute.

England finished top on seven points, followed by Croatia on six and Ghana on four.

Panama finished bottom with zero.

Ghana reached the knockout stage in 2006, their debut tournament, and again in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals.

– CAJ News