Croatian national football team has done an excellent job before leaving to the European Championships in France on Tuesday.
Ante Čačić’s men beat Moldova in Koprivnica 1:0 last week, and continued with a record-breaking 10:0 victory over San Marino in the first appearance at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka on June 4, 2016. Following a couple of missed opportunities in the first 20 minutes, Modrić tried a shot outside of the box, and Pjaca’s back-heel deflection gave Croatia the lead. Just a few minutes later, Mandžukić and captain Srna reacted well at the far post in quick succession, turning two Perišić’s crosses into a three-goal margin.
Mandžukić scored two diving headers between 36th and 38th minute – Srna crossing from the right on both occasions – with Perišić to finish the half curling in a free-kick from distance (6:0).
The second half goalscoring was opened by Rakitić at the near post, with Srna’s third assist, and then N. Kalinić took the stage replacing Mandžukić and scoring another hat-trick. Pjaca allowed him a simple tap-in in 59th minute (8:0), and after Vrsaljko’s volley hit the post, Kalinić was the first to react in 73rd minute to score again. Finally, Kalinić made it 10:0 six minutes from time, with Perišić assisting from the left.
“I congratulate my players, they were motivated from the very beginning. They were hungry to play together, they have been dynamic and played no nonsense football, even though the opponent wasn’t so demanding. We are glad to have scored ten, and it is especially important that our strikers have scored. This was necessary to depart for France in a good mood. Any victory is significant”, emphasized Croatia head coach Ante Čačić after the match.
Mandžukić praised Croatia’s supporters at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, although the stadium was not sold out, an odd fact as the capacity of Rujevica is some 5 thousand seats; “This was a great, positive atmosphere, and that makes me happy. The fans cheered us on at every move, and it was really a joy to play. The most important thing, however, is that our approach was serious throughout the game, it is not easy to score a goal against anyone. We need to continue like this and prepare for the EURO 2016. Aware of our quality, we hope to win matches in France”, he said.
