October 13, 2019 - After winning 3:0 against Hungary in Split on Thursday, Croatia met Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday for the 8th round of the Group E Euro 2020 qualifiers.
The Croatia national team and Wales met in front of 31,000 fans in Cardiff for the 8th Euro qualifying round in Group E. After topping Hungary 3:0 at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday, Croatia was hungry to win in Wales - and ultimately secure enough points to lock in their spot at the Euros next year.
Dalic came out with a slightly different lineup than what we saw in Split. As Croatian media reported, Dalic called up Hajduk midfielder Filip Bradaric in place of Marcelo Brozovic, who was ruled out of Sunday’s game because of cards. Dalic also opted to start Croatia’s young forces Nikola Vlasic and Josip Brekalo and give Ante Rebic and Ivan Rakitic rest. Thus, Croatia’s starting 11 included Livaković, Barisic, Vida, Lovren, Jedvaj, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Vlasic, Brekalo, and Petkovic.
Not unlike the game against Hungary, Croatia got their first goal early. A stellar run by Brekalo from the midfield line carried the ball into the box and to the boot of Petkovic. A quick lay off to Nikola Vlasic found the corner of the net for 1:0 in the 9th minute.
In the 13th minute, Vida was given a yellow card, which forces him to miss Croatia’s next Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia. Lovren received a yellow not long after, meaning he'll miss the next game, too.
By the 20th minute, Croatia held over 80% of the ball possession and continued to dominate on the pitch. A free-kick for Wales taken by Gareth Bale shortly after was unsuccessful.
As the first half progressed, neither team was performing to their potential. Plays were sloppy, there were unnecessary fouls, and few attacks came to fruition. However, Wales picked up the pace and was far more aggressive than Croatia in the end. A sloppy defensive play (and questionable missed foul by the ref) failed to stop Bale in the third minute of injury time, who equalized for 1:1 at the half.
Kovacic was unable to continue the game after an injury in the first half, and Ivan Rakitic took his place.
Wales almost scored their second goal in the 55th minute, though Livakovic defended with difficulty. Perisic crossed into the box to Jedvaj moments later, but a handball was called on Croatia.
Bale nutmegged Rakitic in the 60th minute and was almost dangerous in the penalty area, though his trip denied him from getting off a shot - or the penalty he was looking for.
Two minutes later, Dalic subbed in Ante Rebic for Petkovic. Croatia's next dangerous play came in the 70th minute. Brekalo's cross found the head of Perisic, who connected with Vlasic at the top of the box. Vlasic laid the ball off to Jedvaj, who shot with the outside of his foot and just missed the far corner of the goal.
Unfortunately, a collision in the 88th minute saw Modric off the pitch (and almost with the help of a stretcher). Badelj came in the take his place. The referee added 8 minutes of injury time.
In the final minutes of the match, Croatia pressed but was unable to capitalize on their chances. The game ended 1:1.
Croatia's next Euro 2020 qualifier is against Slovakia on November 16 at Rujevica stadium in Rijeka.
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