In the Group I match in the fourth round for World Cup 2018 qualifications, Croatia led Iceland 2:0, putting them at the top of the group.
Croatia now has 10 points, with the victory escaping the second-placed Iceland for three points. Both goals were scored by Marcelo Brozović in the 15th minute and the second in 90+1 during stoppage time, reports Index.hr.
Unfortunately for Croatia, in the final moments of the match a red card was given to Ivan Perišić for a rough tackle. He sadly will miss the next qualifying match against Ukraine in March 2017.
The game was played in very difficult conditions due to an extremely rough terrain and stands without spectators as Croatia is still under suspension because of the fans’ riots. What’s most important is that Croatian footballers have come to a very important victory over Iceland, with the hero of the match being Marcelo Brozović whose two precisely hit shots jetted past Iceland’s network, granting Croatia the top spot in the group.
Coach Ante Čačić did not end up placing Luka Modrić in the starting 11, but instead Mateo Kovačić was there to fill his shoes. Modrič came in for Kovačić at half-time and played through the end of the game, without injury.
Croatia: Subašić – Vrsaljko, Ćorluka, Vida, Pivarić – Badelj, Kovačić (Modrić, 46) – Brozović, Rakitić (Rakitić, 85), Perišić – Mandžukić (COP, 90 + 1)
Iceland: Halldorsson – Saevarsson, R. Sigurdsson, Arnason, Magnusson – Gudmundsson, G. Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson, E. Bjarnason (Traustarsson, 76) – B. Bjarnason, Boedvarsson (Kjartarsson, 75)
