Croatia vs Ghana: The first half we didn’t do a lot; we were just playing around – Derrick Luckassen

Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen has delivered an honest assessment of the Black Stars’ 2-1 defeat to Croatia, admitting the team failed to make the most of their possession in the opening half before showing a much-improved performance after the interval.

The experienced defender, who was making his FIFA World Cup debut for Ghana, acknowledged that the Black Stars struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities before the break but praised the team’s response in the second half, where they looked more aggressive, adventurous and determined to get back into the game.

Although Ghana were unable to avoid defeat in their final Group L fixture, the Black Stars had already secured qualification to the Round of 32 before kick-off thanks to earlier results elsewhere in the tournament. As a result, the defeat did little to derail Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, with the focus now shifting towards an exciting knockout clash against the winners of Group K.

Speaking after the match, Luckassen reflected on the performance and explained why he believed Ghana looked like two different teams across the two halves of the encounter.

Luckassen Gives Honest Verdict on Ghana’s Display

The defender did not shy away from pointing out the team’s shortcomings during the opening 45 minutes, admitting Ghana lacked urgency and creativity despite enjoying spells of possession.

According to Luckassen, the Black Stars were too cautious with the ball and failed to threaten Croatia enough before the halftime whistle.

“I think in the first half, we had the ball, but we didn’t do a lot; we were just playing around,” Luckassen said.

His assessment echoed what many supporters observed from the stands as Ghana struggled to establish any real rhythm going forward. While the Black Stars were comfortable enough in possession at times, they found it difficult to break through Croatia’s disciplined defensive structure or create clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Croatia, meanwhile, looked more purposeful whenever they advanced into attacking areas, making better use of their possession and showing greater intent around Ghana’s penalty area.

A Completely Different Second Half

Luckassen believes everything changed after the halftime interval.

The defender explained that Ghana adopted a far more positive approach after the restart, pressing higher up the pitch and taking greater risks in search of an equaliser.

“But in the second half, we pressed forward, and we tried to put the balls in and it was much better, in my opinion.”

Those tactical adjustments were immediately visible as Ghana began to play with greater confidence and intensity.

Instead of circulating possession in harmless areas, the Black Stars committed more players forward, won second balls more consistently and forced Croatia onto the defensive for long periods.

The increased pressure eventually paid off midway through the second half when Ghana found the breakthrough they had been searching for.

Luckassen Caps Dream Debut with World Cup Goal

Despite the disappointing result, the match will remain a memorable occasion for Luckassen personally.

Making his first-ever FIFA World Cup start for Ghana, the defender marked the occasion by scoring his first goal at football’s biggest tournament.

With Ghana pushing hard for an equaliser, Luckassen rose highest inside the penalty area to turn home from a well-worked set-piece in the 73rd minute.

Initially, there were brief concerns that the goal could be ruled out after a VAR review examined whether Kwasi Sibo had interfered with play in an offside position.

However, after reviewing the incident, the officials allowed the goal to stand, sparking celebrations among the Ghana players and supporters inside Lincoln Financial Field.

The equaliser rewarded Ghana’s improved second-half display and briefly shifted the momentum firmly in the Black Stars’ favour.

For Luckassen, it was a dream moment to score on his World Cup debut, especially after replacing Jerome Opoku in the starting lineup.

Croatia Respond Immediately

Unfortunately for Ghana, the joy did not last long.

Croatia responded with the experience and composure expected of a team that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

Just minutes after Ghana had restored parity, Croatia earned a corner kick that ultimately proved decisive.

Veteran captain Luka Modric produced another moment of quality by delivering an excellent corner into the penalty area, where Nikola Vlasic escaped his marker before steering the ball into the net.

The goal restored Croatia’s lead and ultimately secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Zlatko Dalic’s side.

Although Ghana continued to push forward during the closing stages, Croatia defended resolutely and managed the game well to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

Ghana’s Group Stage Journey Still a Success

While defeat is never the desired outcome, Ghana’s overall group-stage campaign remains one of the country’s most encouraging World Cup performances in recent years.

The Black Stars opened the tournament with a narrow but valuable 1-0 victory over Panama, collecting three important points that laid the foundation for qualification.

They then produced one of the biggest surprises of the group stage by holding tournament favourites England to an impressive goalless draw.

That disciplined defensive display earned widespread praise from football analysts around the world and demonstrated the tactical organisation that head coach Carlos Queiroz has introduced since taking charge of the national team.

By collecting four points from their opening two matches, Ghana had already done enough to guarantee qualification under FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup format before facing Croatia.

Although they missed the opportunity to finish higher in the standings following Saturday’s defeat, the Black Stars still advanced to the Round of 32.

Learning Important Lessons Before the Knockout Stage

Luckassen’s comments also highlight the valuable lessons Ghana can take into the knockout rounds.

The defender’s honest reflection suggests the squad understands that stronger starts will be needed against the elite teams remaining in the competition.

Slow first halves can be punished against world-class opposition, especially in knockout football where every mistake carries greater consequences.

However, Ghana can also draw confidence from the way they responded after halftime against Croatia.

The Black Stars showed resilience, courage and attacking intent, refusing to allow the game to drift away despite falling behind.

That fighting spirit has become one of the defining characteristics of Queiroz’s team throughout the tournament.

The Portuguese coach has repeatedly praised his players for their mentality, organisation and willingness to work for one another, qualities that have already helped Ghana exceed many expectations.

Knockout Challenge Awaits

The attention of the Black Stars now turns to the Round of 32, where an even bigger test lies ahead.

Ghana finished third in Group L with four points and will now take on the winners of Group K in the knockout stage.

The fixture promises to be one of the most demanding matches of Ghana’s World Cup campaign, but the Black Stars will approach it with growing confidence after their performances during the group phase.

The squad has already demonstrated its ability to compete against high-quality opposition, particularly during the disciplined draw against England and the spirited second-half display against Croatia.

For Luckassen, scoring on his World Cup debut provides an additional source of confidence as he looks to establish himself further within Ghana’s defence.

His versatility, physical presence and aerial strength could prove valuable assets as Ghana prepare for the knockout rounds.