October 7, 2020 – In a friendly match played in St. Gallen on Wednesday evening, Croatia topped Switzerland 2:1.
The Croatia national football team played a friendly match against Switzerland in St. Gallen on Wednesday, ahead of two consecutive matches in the Nations League against Sweden and France (October 11 and 14).
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic announced an opportunity for players who have not had much time in the national team so far, and from the first minute was debutant Domagoj Bradaric. Croatia’s starting 11 in the first half included Livakovic – Uremovic, Vida (C), Caleta Car, Melnjak – Badelj, Kovacic – D. Bradaric, Pasalic, Brekalo – Petkovic.
The match began promptly at 8:45, with a stadium filled at 30% capacity thanks to a new UEFA rule. Almost half of the fans in the stands wore the famous Croatian checkers.
The first threat to Croatia’s goal came after a corner over Rodriguez in the eighth minute, who shot diagonally, but Livakovic defended. Two minutes later, Josip Brekalo shot from the other side from 18 meters, which went over the goal.
The 23rd minute saw the best opportunity of the match until that point. Gavranovic came out alone in front of Livakovic, who defended the shot of his Dinamo teammate.
Unfortunately, Switzerland finally took advantage of their next opportunity. In the 31st minute, Xhaka crossed to Gavranovic, whose header sent the ball into the corner of the goal for 1:0.
Croatia immediately picked up their pace. Five minutes later, Bruno Petkovic had an excellent chance, which he shot five meters from the goal.
In the 42nd minute, however, Croatia got their equalizer. Debutant Bradaric crossed perfectly into the box to find Brekalo, who volleyed into the goal for 1:1.
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✅ Josip Brekalo with his second international goal
✅ Domagoj Bradarić with his first international assist?#SUICRO #Vatreni? pic.twitter.com/QE8aMkQEET
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2020
At half time, Switzerland made three subs – Xhaka, Rodriguez and Mehmedi came out for Freuler, Zuber and Vargas. Dalic subbed Brozovic for Badelj.
The second half began with pressure from Switzerland. In the 56th minute, Marko Rog came on for Kovacic and Budimir for Petkovic.
Croatia was certainly holding their own without captain Luka Modric on the pitch, so much so that they scored their second goal to take the lead. A beautiful one-two between Budimir and Pasalic resulted in a Pasalic goal for 1:2 in the 67th minute.
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⚽️ #Croatia comes back from behind to take the lead! Ante Budimir finds Mario Pašalić, who scores his first international goal! #BeProud #SUICRO #Vatreni? pic.twitter.com/Y9KTH5ogXR
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2020
Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic were subbed on for Pasalic and Brekalo in the 74th minute.
Switzerland had one great opportunity in the 81st minute to equalize, though Itten hit over the crossbar. Croatia continued to press in the final 10 minutes of the match, but was unlucky to increase their lead. The match ended 1:2 for Croatia!
Source: HRT
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