Croatia take a slender 1-0 advantage into half-time after Petar Sučić’s well-taken strike separated the two sides in a tightly contested Group L encounter.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Mateo Kovačić slipped a precise pass into Sučić, who calmly fired a low shot beyond the reach of Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to give Croatia the lead.
Croatia had threatened earlier and came within inches of opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Nikola Vlašić unleashed a powerful effort that crashed against the post.
Ghana responded positively and nearly found an equaliser before the interval. Antoine Semenyo came closest, but his effort rolled agonisingly wide of the post, leaving the Black Stars frustrated.
The Croatians have enjoyed a slight edge in possession with 54 percent compared to Ghana’s 46 percent, reflecting their control for large spells of the opening half. Benjamin Asare has been called into action once, making an important save, while Croatia’s goalkeeper has yet to face a shot on target.
With just one goal separating the teams, Ghana will look to mount a second-half comeback as they chase a crucial result.
