After drawing to Russia in Moscow, the Croatia national team met Slovakia in Bratislava as part of the most demanding mini-cycle in these 2022 World Cup qualifications.
The starting lineups were released an hour before the match, which saw as many as five changes for Croatia. It was announced that starting goalkeeper Dominik Livaković would not be able to play tonight’s match, and is questionable against Slovenia, with Osijek keeper Ivica Ivušić taking his place. Dalić also opted for Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Mario Pašalić on the bench to start this match, while Domagoj Vida returned to the starting lineup after serving his yellow card suspension.
Slovakia: Rodak – Pekarik, Šatka, Škriniar, Hancko; Mak; Kucka, Lobotka; Hamšik, Weiss; Schranz
Croatia: Ivušić – Juranović, Lovren, Vida, Sosa; Vlašić, Brozović, Kovačić; Ivanušec, Vlašić, Oršić; Čolak
Croatia had their first chance in the 3rd minute. Čolak played Brozović at the top of the box who failed precision in his shot.
In the 10th minute, a brilliant ball by Čolak found Oršić who hit the post. Dalić’s match strategy was high-pressure in the attack, which Croatia had fulfilled from the start. Ivanušić shot on goal 4 minutes later which was saved by the Slovakia keeper.
Another great chance for Croatia happened in the 18th minute – Oršić found Čolak near the penalty area who was just a second too late with his shot which deflected for a corner.
Slobodan Kadic
Slovakia’s first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Weiss shot just wide of the goal. Croatia’s defense had a lapse in judgment in the 26th minute forcing Ivušić to save the day to keep the game 0:0.
A dangerous free-kick for Slovakia followed two minutes later which made its way into the box. Vida and Lovren were brilliant in the back to block the ball for a corner.
Vlašić’s shot was deflected for a corner in the 32nd minute, and his chance a minute later was saved by the keeper.
Slobodan Kadic
Slovakia picked up their attacking game from the 40th minute which put Croatia’s defense to work with moments of panic. The match ended 0:0 at the half.
The second half started with no changes for Croatia.
Croatia continued their high-pressing game to start the second half, with a good chance by Vida in the 51st minute.
Slovakia had a chance a minute later which the referee ultimately called for a foul. Another great chance for Croatia came from a Sosa cross in the 53rd minute which went across the box.
There were three substitutions for Croatia in the 55th minute – Livaja, Perišić, and Pašalić came in for Čolak, Ivanušec, and Vlašić.
Another Sosa ball across the box just missed Pašalić in the 57th minute. Croatia’s hunger for a goal was not slowing down.
Slobodan Kadic
Livaja shot in the 60th minute which was deflected for a Croatia corner that went out off the head of Lovren.
Andrej Kramarić came in for Oršić in the 62nd minute.
Slovakia missed a chance in front of the goal in the 72nd minute. In the 77th minute, Perišić and Livaja both crossed into the box with no luck. Croatia was creating chances but had much difficulty finding the back of the net.
Kovačić lost the ball in the 82nd minute which almost resulted in a Slovakia lead, but Ivušić was there to make the save.
Dalić made his last substation in the 84th minute – Lovro Majer came in for Mateo Kovačič.
Two minutes later, it finally happened for Croatia. In the 86th minute – Majer’s free-kick made its way to Brozović who volleyed in for a goal! It was 1:0 for Croatia with 4 minutes to go.
Slobodan Kadic
Slobodan Kadic
Slovakia followed with a dangerous attack in the next minute which Ivušić tipped over the post for a corner. A series of corners for Slovakia followed, with Croatia’s defense in a panic to clear the ball out.
The ref added 4 minutes to the end of the match, which was not enough for Slovakia to equalize. The match ended 1:0 for Croatia!
Slobodan Kadic
Croatia concludes this mini-cycle at home against Slovenia at Poljud on September 7.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.
