Croatia's stalemate in cold Reykjavik

The first 90 minutes of battle between Iceland and Croatia for a place in Brazil 2014 has not produced a winner. The match in Reykjavik, a debut for Niko Kovač as Croatia head coach, ended in a 0:0 stalemate.

The match was opened by Eduardo i Finnbogason, who missed good chances, but the rest of the first half was not a very busy affair for goalkeepers Halldorsson and Pletikosa.

Croatia tried with a couple of crosses, but the ball usually ended in Iceland keeper's hands, while Perišić twice tried with long-distance efforts.

Just before the break, Iceland lost the striker Sigthorsson to injury, and his place was taken by experienced Gudjohnsen.

Five minutes into the second half, Iceland was reduced to ten men. Perišić started the run towards Halldorsson, and was fouled by O. Skulason, who was shown the red card. Srna came close with the following free-kick.

However, Halldorsson was in good form in until the final whistle, thus the Croatian pressure was not capitalized. In the 80th minute, Perišić sent the ball wide after he was set up by Mandžukić.

The second leg is scheduled for Noveber 19th, at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

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