Croatia celebrated in their last friendly match before the World Cup in Russia, taking the win over Senegal 2:1 at Osijek’s City Garden Stadium.
The Croatia national team defeated Senegal 2-1 (0-0) in their final friendly match before 16,000 spectators at Osijek’s City Garden Stadium. The team will leave for Russia and the World Cup next week, reports Gol.hr on June 8, 2018.
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While the first half went without a goal, Senegal’s Sarra was the first to score in the 48th minute to give them the lead. Ivan Perišić equalized in the 63rd minute with a 25-meter free kick, though it looked like there was a slight deflection to help the ball into the corner and deceive Senegal’s goalkeeper.
The winning goal was scored by Andrej Kramarić in the 78th minute. After an incredible through-ball by Croatia captain Luka Modrić, the Hoffenheim striker took the ball to the goal line, cut into the box and shot first with his right foot which struck Koulibaly in a defensive block. The ball then propelled back to Kramarić, who hit it next with his left foot and into the far corner of Senegal’s goal.
The Croatia national team has two free days ahead of them before they fly from Zagreb to St. Petersburg on Monday. Croatia will open their World Cup appearance against Nigeria on June 16 (21:00) in Kaliningrad.
Goals: 0:1 - Sarr (48), 1:1 - Perišić (63), 2:1 - Kramarić (78).
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Subašić (from 67. L. Kalinić) - Vida, Lovren (from 46. Jedvaj), Ćorluka, Strinić - Badelj (from 46. Kramarić), Rakitić (from 65. Kovačić) - Rebić (from 61. Brozović), Modrić, Perišić - Mandžukić (from 46. N. Kalinić).
Senegal (4-3-3): Diallo - Gassana, Koulibaly, Sane, Sabaly - Gueye, A. N'Diaye (from 74. P. A. N'Diaye) - Sarr (from 74. Diouf), Mane, Niang (from 64. Keita) - Sakho.
