Vlašic scores winner as Croatia beats Ghana 2-1 to reach World Cup knockout stage

PHILADELPHIA: (Jun 28) Luka Modric lined up for a corner kick intent on trying to float the ball to the top of the 6-yard box. Nikola Vlašic jumped high among the scrum and headed it in for a goal — good enough to advance Croatia in the World Cup and give Modric a slice of tournament history.

The 40-year-old Modric became the oldest player in World Cup history with an assist, and Vlašic and Petar Sucic scored to help Croatia earn a spot in the knockout round with a 2-1 win over Ghana 2-1 on Saturday.

“I told him after the game, you play like you’re 20 years old,” Sucic said. “He was incredible today. He runs a lot. He goes into every duel. He was incredible with the ball. He is our leader; he is our best player and we’re so happy he can lead us in this World Cup. He can play until he wants, he’s so good.”