June 8, 2019 - Croatia and Wales met in Osijek on Saturday for their third qualification for the European Championship in 2020.
Just over 17,000 fans came out to City Garden Stadium in Osijek to watch the Croatia and Wales qualification match for the 2020 European Championship. Croatia was without superstars Ivan Rakitić and Ante Rebić for the game.
Croatia had their first real attack in the 8th minute, though Perišić shot over the goal. Croatia attacked well in the first 10 minutes of the game and managed to keep their play in Wales’ half. In the 10th minute, Wales had their first chance by Wilson, though Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made an easy save.
Croatia had another opportunity in the 13th minute from a corner, though Perišić shot over the goal again.
After numerous attacks, Croatia finally got their chance in the 16th minute. Perišić crossed the ball into the box to Brekalo, though it hit the foot of Wales defender Lawrence for an own goal and 1:0 for Croatia!
The game stopped for a 'cooling break' in the 23rd minute due to the Osijek heat - it was said to be around 30 degrees Celsius.
After a perfect through-ball by Modrić in the 36th minute, Kramarić had a chance to score but hit just over the goal.
Wales had a good chance in the 41st minute by Vaulks, though Livaković made a great save to keep Croatia in the lead.
With no real dangerous attacks from Wales in the last 5 minutes, the game ended 1:0 for Croatia at the half.
The second half started with a goal by Kovačić, though it was called offside. But it was not long for Croatia to get their second goal, which finally came for Ivan Perišić in the 47th minute. Croatia started to look like the World Cup finalists we know well.
Wales continued without chances, though what could have been a dangerous free-kick from Bale went over the goal in the 55th minute.
Croatia made their first sub in the 66th minute - Brekalo came out for Pašalić - and in the 75th minute, Kovačić came out for Badelj.
In the 76th minute, Wales finally got their chance - Brooks scored with the help of a Vida deflection. It was 2:1 for Croatia.
Croatia had another golden opportunity in the 91st minute thanks to Pašalić, but Kramarić missed in front of the goal. Five minutes of extra time was played.
While Wales tried to press, it was Croatia to prevail, and the game ended 2:1 for Croatia!
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