Croatia secured top spot in Group L after edging Ghana 2-1 in a thrilling final group-stage encounter, while England booked their place in the Round of 32 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama.
Croatia dominated much of the first half and deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić finished off a well-timed assist from Mateo Kovačić.
The Croatians controlled possession through veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, whose influence in midfield helped keep Ghana under sustained pressure. Despite creating a few openings, the Black Stars struggled to break down Croatia’s disciplined defence before the break.
Ghana returned with renewed purpose after halftime and found a deserved equaliser in the 73rd minute. Daryl Luckassen finished from Ernest Nuamah’s pass to revive Ghana’s hopes of securing a result that could guarantee qualification.
The game became increasingly physical, with Croatia’s Ivan Perišić receiving a yellow card as both sides pushed for a decisive goal.
Croatia, however, had the final say. In the 82nd minute, Nikola Vlašić latched onto a Luka Modrić pass to score the winner and seal Croatia’s place at the top of the group.
The victory sends Croatia into the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group K.
Although Ghana suffered defeat, the Black Stars finished the group stage with four points, leaving them in contention to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, pending the outcome of other groups.
In the other Group L fixture, England overcame a resilient Panama side 2-0 to complete their group campaign on a winning note.
After a goalless first half, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, calmly finishing from Bukayo Saka’s assist.
England doubled their advantage five minutes later when captain Harry Kane converted Bellingham’s pass to put the result beyond doubt.
The encounter also saw Panama’s José Fajardo and Adalberto Andrade, alongside England defender Jarell Quansah, cautioned by the referee.
England comfortably managed the closing stages to secure qualification and will now face one of the tournament’s qualifying third-placed teams in the Round of 32. Possible opponents include Senegal or DR Congo, depending on the final standings.
Panama’s defeat confirmed their elimination from the competition after finishing bottom of Group L.
