Croatia edge to victory over Ghana - which eliminates Scotlandpublished at 07:40 BST 28 June
Croatia 2-1 Ghana
Matt Howarth
BBC Sport
Croatia beat Ghana to reach knockout stages
Nikola Vlasic scored a late header as Croatia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with victory over already-qualified Ghana in Philadelphia.
Zlatko Dalic's side needed to avoid defeat against the Black Stars 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.
Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic's stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a point and will now head into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides.
Croatia's victory also ended any lingering hopes Scotland may have had of qualifying for the knockout stages.
The Scots would have needed Croatia to lose by three goals or more to keep their hopes alive.


