Croatia’s victory against Iceland further consolidates the advantage in the ranking of Group I and is first in the group until further qualifications are pursued in March. Although almost everything went in Croatia’s favor during the match, one thing did not: injuries.
Croatia on Tuesday will play Northern Ireland in Belfast for a friendly match, but the same team that took on Iceland has weakened quite a bit according to coach Ante Čačić, reports Index.hr.
Čačić had already spared Modrić, Rakitić, Ćorluka and Subašić for the match against Northern Ireland, but after the game against Iceland, Kovačić will now not be making the trip to Belfast as he injured his ankle in the first half.
Kovačić, who in the last month has been playing the best football since he has been at Real Madrid, received a nasty knock to his left ankle and during the break had to stay in the locker room.
Spanish media immediately conveyed the news, adding that HNS confirmed that the young midfielder immediately returned to Madrid where the medical service of the of the club will do everything they can to ensure Kovačić can play in the derby against Atletico Madrid next Saturday.
Troubles did not end there…
At the end of the match, the hero against Iceland, Marcelo Brozović received an injury, and Ivan Perišić also sustained an injury to his knee.
”We will see the state of Perišić’s knee, and if all is right he will be on a plane with us to Belfast,” he added, but noted that the Irish are a great team and are especially strong in corner kicks and free kicks.
”Azerbaijan gave up all four goals from interruptions (stops in play). It will be a demanding match, but also welcoming, as we will receive answers to some questions because players who play less will now get a chance in this match. Croatia has an obligation to keep every game rating, and in Belfast we will go with the intent to play well and win the game,” concluded Čačić.
