Nikola Vlasic Hits Post in 0-0 Croatia-Ghana Group L Decider

Q: Can Modric's historic 200th cap salvage Croatia's chances in the World Cup's unforgiving new 48-team format?

Yes — but only if Modric’s landmark night translates into at least a draw. His 200th cap is historically significant, making him the first Croatian and one of only a handful of men to reach that mark, but the milestone alone does not change the math. In the 48-team World Cup, Croatia still need a result against Ghana to avoid relying on other groups. A win would guarantee a top-two finish in Group L and a place in the Round of 32. A draw would leave Croatia on four points and is widely projected to be enough for one of the eight best third-place spots. A loss would leave them exposed to elimination on third-place tiebreakers. What Modric can realistically provide is control, experience and delivery in decisive moments. Croatia have already looked the more threatening side in Philadelphia, with Nikola Vlasic striking the outside of the post and Pongracic heading over from a Modric free-kick. That suggests Modric is still shaping the game in the areas Croatia need most: tempo, set pieces and composure under pressure. The expanded format is not entirely unforgiving because it gives third-placed teams a route through, and that works in Croatia’s favor. But it is still harsh on teams that lose their final group match. So Modric’s 200th cap can help salvage Croatia’s campaign only if his leadership helps turn this 0-0 into the point, or three, that sends them through.

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27

17 minutes in, Nikola Vlasic struck the outside of the post with Croatia’s first shot, the closest chance in a tense 0-0 match against Ghana in Philadelphia.
Croatia had grown into the game after a cagey opening, with Luka Modric helping create their best moments while Ghana had yet to register a real effort on goal by the 23rd minute.
A draw is enough to send Croatia into the World Cup round of 32, while Ghana entered the final Group L match already assured of qualification.
Group L was being settled simultaneously with England facing Panama in New Jersey, with pre-match projections giving England an 84% chance to win the group.