World CUp 2026 / Croatia 1-0 Ghana: the Vatreni lead at halftime against the Black Stars

27.06.26 FT World Cup

Croatia

2

:

Ghana

1

At halftime in Philadelphia, Croatia lead 1-0 against Ghana thanks to a pinpoint strike from Sučić (31'). The Vatreni are provisionally qualified for the round of 16.

Croatia go into the break 1-0 up against Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in this decisive Group L clash. The Vatreni showed their intent from the opening whistle, dictating play with 51% possession and launching wave after wave of attacks against a Ghanaian side that initially kept a disciplined shape.

Sučić breaks the deadlock

The only goal of the first half rewarded Croatia's dominance in the 31st minute. After a precise pass from Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić unleashed a clinical shot from the edge of the box that left Benjamin Asare no chance. Nikola Vlašić came close to doubling the lead soon after, rattling the post and letting Ghana off the hook.

See also: CDM 2026 / Croatia - Ghana: the official lineups!

From there, the Black Stars, who tried a few counterattacks without much sting, will have to seriously raise their game in the second half if they are to turn things around. With this halftime score, Croatia temporarily leapfrog Ghana in the virtual Group L standings. Everything, however, still hinges on the result between England and Panama.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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