Derrick Luckassen said there was a bit of disappointment despite scoring his first World Cup goal, as Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Croatia sent both nations into the Round of 32.
The defender headed Ghana level in the 73rd minute at Lincoln Financial Field, but Nikola Vlasic’s late winner meant Carlos Queiroz’s side finished Group L with a defeat.
“Yes, it was a nice feeling to score. But I’m a bit disappointed about the loss,” Luckassen said.
“First half, very different style. Second half, very different style. I think first half we had the ball, but we didn’t do a lot with it. We were just playing around.”
“Second half, I think we pressed forward. We tried to put the balls in, and it was a lot better in the second half, in my opinion.”
Ghana had already secured qualification before kickoff but Luckassen insisted the target was still three points.
“Before the match, we want to win every game. Obviously, we knew that we were through, but you want to win every match and that’s what we tried today as well. We are trying to do our best, to give our best and every game we are trying to make the nation proud. On to the next game, we have to keep on going.”
On Ghana’s progression, he added: “It’s very important. We are through and that’s the most important. We hope we can come even further because that is what we want and we will give our best to come further.”
Luckassen said the Black Stars’ run reflects a wider trend: “I think it’s big for all the African countries. You can see that everybody is improving. There are very good national teams in Africa, and I think you can see it in this World Cup.”
Credit for Ghana’s structure went to Queiroz. “I think discipline. We are disciplined. We know what we have to do and he’s clear in what he wants from the team.”
Ghana now face Colombia in the Round of 32 on July 4 in Kansas City.
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