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 in the second half 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 (VAR) adjudged that the PAFOS center back was not in an offside position.
However, the Croats resumed their pressing game, forcing a stupendous save from Asare.
The resultant corner kick was dealt with by the Black Stars.
However, another corner kick a few minutes later 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-placed 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.
