Rakitić Penalty Brings Croatia Win Over Mexico in front of 80,000 Fans in Texas

In Texas, American spectators witnessed a much stronger Croatia national football team than last week against Peru in Miami. 

In the second friendly match as part of the preparations for the World Cup, Croatia overcame Mexico 1:0 in the 62nd minute with a penalty taken by Ivan Rakitić, reports Gol.hr on March 28, 2018. The friendly game was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in front of 80,000 fans. 

And even without six of the ‘best’ first-team players whose clubs asked that coach Zlatko Dalić release before the match, this Croatia ‘B’ team played excellent football to record a victory for the end of their American mini-tour. Although the match was officially friendly, it was reasonably competitive. Battles on both sides were witnessed in the injuries of Vrsaljko, Badelj, Araujo, Reyes, and Salcedo. 

From the beginning, it was a duel of different concepts because, unlike Dalić’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Mexico played with three players in the back – and nothing in their composition changed even after Nestor Araujo was injured after 15 minutes. Diego Reyes later replaced Araujo. 

It was evident that the aggression of the Croatia team was at a much higher level than against the Peruvians. Quick and vigorous are the Mexico team otherwise, but Croatia made it known this time that they wouldn’t give up so quickly. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=iLorkgvLEeg

Ante Rebić and Milan Badelj danced on the edge of yellow cards for much of the first half, and as far as Rebić is concerned, he was the best Croatian player in the first half. Rebić caused a panic in Mexico’s backline each time he attacked, and already in the second minute, he played brilliantly to Pivarić – although the ball was a bit too fast. In the 14th minute Croatia hit their first shot in the box, and on several occasions Mexico was unstable. Marko Pjaca and Rebić missed another opportunity in the 18th minutes.

Croatia’s best chance in the first half was in the 12th minute. Ivan Rakitić pulled a counterattack and passed it right to Andrej Kramarić who was able to beat the Mexico defender. But from an odd position, some 10 meters away, he hit a weak strike with his left foot. 

The Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio saw where he was at highest risk, and at the half, made three substitutions to place four men in his backline. 

Mexico came out much tighter and more determined in the second half, and in the 50th minute, Carlos Vela had a great chance to score though his shot was not enough. 56 minutes into the match, Lozano also attacked, but Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinić was able to defend the strike. 

Though there were moments that Mexico threatened, Croatia took the lead in the 62nd minute. After Tin Jedvaj took an ugly hit by Miguel Layun in the box, Croatia was given a penalty – Ivan Rakitić had no problem finding his way past the keeper for 1:0. Mexico pressed on, trying to equalize, but did not manage to seriously threaten Croatia’s defense. The game ended 1:0 for the Croatian team. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=-uufV8efh38

Before the start of the World Cup, Croatia will play two more friendly matches: June 3rd against Brazil in England and June 8th against Senegal in Osijek.

Croatia: Kalinić – Vrsaljko (from 35. Jedvaj), Ćorluka (from 74. Nižić), Vida, Pivarić – Rakitić (from 75. Čop), Badelj (from 44. Bradarić) – Pjaca (from 60. Rog), Kovačić, Rebić (from 72. Pašalić) – Kramarić. 

Coach: Zlatko Dalić

Mexico Ochoa – Araujo (from 14. Reyes, from 46. Salcedo, from 69. Alvarez), Ayala, Moreno – Jo. Hernandez, Govea (from 46. Molina), Guardado (from 60. Jimenez), Pizzaro (from 46. Layun) – Vela, Lozano, Chicarito. 

Coach: Juan Carlos Osorio

 

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