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Vlasic’s perfect finish off the inside of the left post came 10 minutes after Derrick Luckassen had pulled Ghana level on his international debut, with half the time in between spent on a video assistant referee (VAR) review determining whether he was onside.

Petar Susic scored early for Croatia, which needed only a draw to reach the Round of 32. Claiming the second-place spot guaranteed the 2022 third-place finisher a meeting with the second-placed team in Group K.

Ghana, which finished third in the group, was already assured of qualification and will meet the winner of Group K in Kansas City.

Susic gave Croatia a deserved lead after 31 minutes with a long-range strike into the bottom left corner.

Ghana was much improved in the second half, but Luckassen’s 73rd-minute goal was its first effort on target.

Ernest Nuamah delivered an inswinging free kick over Croatia’s defensive line and Luckassen clearly came from an onside position to knock the ball into the net at the back post.

Referee Drew Fischer was summoned to the monitor, where he determined that Kwasi Sibol, who was in an offside position, did not interfere in the play.

Luckassen was only on the field because manager Carlos Queiroz spared his three players on yellow cards.

Ghana joy was short-lived, however, as Modric’s corner sailed beyond the penalty spot towards the back post, where Vlasic was given space to meet it with the side of his head and nod it downwards in the one place goalkeeper Benjamin Asare could not save it.

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo limped off in the late stages after suffering an apparent ankle injury, but was able to return to complete the 90 minutes.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic hit out at the team's doubters and said it was back to the Croatia of old.

"I think we're back to where we were, like nine years ago. But that's again a small step to achieve the first objective, to go to the knockout stage," he said.

The long-serving boss said there was a lot of "suspicion" about his team's quality after the early matches, describing some of the commentary as "pitiful".

"This national team deserves better because we had so many fans rooting for Croatia," he added.

"Even when losing or winning, they should be loved because of everything they have done for the people and for the country. This needs to be appreciated and not go against it the moment they lose."