World Cup 2026: Derrick Luckassen admits Ghana ‘didn’t do a lot’ in first half against Croatia

Derrick Luckassen has delivered an honest verdict on Ghana’s performance in their 2-1 defeat to Croatia, admitting the Black Stars lacked purpose before producing a much-improved display after the interval in Philadelphia.

The defender, making his first-ever World Cup start after Jerome Opoku was rested, described the encounter as a game of two completely different halves for Carlos Queiroz’s side.

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

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

Luckassen’s assessment reflected what unfolded on the pitch.

Despite enjoying decent spells of possession early on, Ghana struggled to create meaningful opportunities before the break. Croatia looked the more dangerous side and deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat Benjamin Asare through a crowded penalty area.

The goal appeared to awaken the Black Stars.

Antoine Semenyo came close to equalising shortly before half-time, dragging an effort narrowly wide after bursting into the Croatian box. Yet it was after the interval that Ghana finally began to play with greater urgency and conviction.

Carlos Queiroz responded by introducing more attacking options, notably Abdul Fatawu, whose direct running immediately injected life into Ghana’s forward play. The Black Stars pressed higher, moved the ball quicker and pinned Croatia deeper into their own half.

That pressure was eventually rewarded in the 73rd minute.

Luckassen, who had earlier been partly unsighted on Sucic’s opener, redeemed himself by scoring his first international goal. After a lengthy VAR review, the defender’s clever finish was confirmed, sending Ghanaian supporters inside Lincoln Financial Field into celebration.

The equaliser, however, only briefly shifted momentum.

Croatia responded almost immediately, with Benjamin Asare producing an outstanding save to deny Mario Pasalic before Nikola Vlasic headed home Luka Modric’s corner in the 83rd minute to restore the European side’s advantage. The assist made Modric the oldest player ever to register an assist at a FIFA World Cup.

Although disappointed by the defeat, Luckassen and his teammates can still reflect positively on their group-stage campaign.

Ghana had already secured qualification for the Round of 32 thanks to their dramatic victory over Panama and memorable goalless draw against England. The Black Stars finished third in Group L with four points, reaching the knockout stages for the first time since the 2010 tournament.

For Luckassen personally, the night encapsulated football’s emotional extremes: criticism for his role in Croatia’s opener, jubilation after scoring on his World Cup debut, and disappointment at the final whistle.

Yet his brutally honest reflection may offer Ghana an important lesson heading into the knockout rounds. The Black Stars were at their best when they played with intensity, attacked with purpose and took the game to their opponents, qualities they will need from the first whistle if they hope to extend their World Cup adventure.