The Black Stars took a much more front-footed approach to this tie, having employed markedly defensive strategies in previous outings, and it very nearly paid off.
They trailed at the break after Petar Sucic’s well-struck opener from well outside the box, but drew back level after Derrick Luckassen steered home from Ernest Nuamah’s cross, with the goal standing after a lengthy VAR check.
There was late heartbreak, though, as Nikola Vlasic headed home to secure all three points for Croatia, who overcame some wobbles to take the spoils here.
The result means Ghana finish the group stage with four points to their name, having held England to a turgid goalless draw and beat Panama by way of a late Caleb Yirenkyi winner earlier in the tournament.
They will progress to the last 32, and their potential opponents can now be revealed.
Who will Ghana face in the World Cup round of 32?
After a narrow 2-1 defeat by Croatia and England’s victory over Panama, finished third in Group L.
As a result, they will face Colombia in Kansas City in the round of 32, on July 3.
That matchup was confirmed after Colombia played out a goalless draw with Portugal on the final group stage matchday, barely two hours after Ghana left the pitch.
Elsewhere in Group L, winners England will face the DR Congo in the next stage, in Atlanta on July 1.
Finally, Croatia will face Portugal in Toronto July 2.
