Vlašić goal sinks Ghana as Croatia keep World Cup hopes alive

Modric's landmark night ends in defeat

Croatia 1–0 Ghana in Toronto, a win that keeps the knockout stage alive. But the night belonged to Luka Modric, who earned his landmark cap in front of a crowd that knew exactly what they were witnessing. Nikola Vlašić scored the goal, his late strike settling a nervy group-stage match.

Your team needed this. The 4–2 loss to England in the Group L opener left no margin, and Ghana were always going to be difficult, physical, well-drilled, and on three points themselves after their own result. Panenka-level composure from Modric throughout.

Panama next, and it is simple

Win against Panama and you are through. England beat Panama 0–2 in the other Group L match, Bellingham (62') and Kane (67') doing the damage. That leaves Croatia on three points alongside Ghana, with England pulling clear. One more win and Tuchel's side control their own fate.

Tuchel's words after the England loss now look sharper

Tuchel said England dropped too deep in the opener, that Croatia gave them a "wake-up call" with their attacking pressure. Against Ghana, the attack found the breakthrough that was missing against England. Sučić also scored before Luckassen pulled one back for Ghana, Vlašić's 83rd-minute goal restored order.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood on r/reddevils and r/Gunners is cautious but optimistic. United fans tracking Mainoo and Rashford in the tournament noted Croatia's result with mixed feelings, Vlašić, a known quantity from his West Ham spell, delivered when it mattered. Full discussion on r/reddevils