The Black Stars’ unbeaten record was brought to an end on Saturday, June 27 after a 2-1 loss to Croatia in their final Group L game.
The 2010 quarter-finalists also conceded for the first time as the 2018 finalists broke the deadlock after half-an-hour of play.
Inter Milan’s Petar Sucic took a risk when he flew in a 25-yard shot that beat Benjamin Asare in post.
An earlier similar attempt by the Europeans had hit the goal post, sending a warning that was unheeded by the four-time African champions.
Changes made by coach Carlos Queiroz paid off, particularly with Ernest Nuamah’s as his cross found the legs of defender Derrick Luckassen for the equaliser.
Despite a long delay to check the goal, the Video Assistant Referee judged correctly as the PAFOS man was not in an offside position.
However, the Croats resumed their pressing game, forcing a stupendous save from Asare.
The resultant corner kick was headed home by Torino’s Nikola Vlasic.
The match ended 2-1 with the 1998 semi-finalists taking one of the two automatic slots while Ghana dropped to become one of the best third-places teams.
In the other group game played concurrently, England beat Panama 2-0 with Harry Kane scoring to break Gary Lineker’s all-time goalscoring record for an English player in the World Cup.
