Croatia continues Osijek and Israel winning streaks

The Israeli friendly was an Osijek jubilee, since it was the tenth Croatia's match at the Gradski Vrt Stadium - without defeat, and Ante Čačić's men recorded the eighth win against Israel in nine matches. Croatia prime minister Tihomir Orešković also attended, alongside HNS president Davor Šuker, sports minister Predrag Šustar, and minister of entrepreneurship and crafts Darko Horvat.

However, it was Israel to draw the first blood, hitting the post in an early scramble, yet it was Croatia in the new kit to take the early lead. Brozović found Perišić in the box, and Perišić sent the ball into the upper near corner.

Modrić and Mandžukić then missed promising opportunities, while captain Srna did his defensive job stopping an Israeli effort at the goal-line. Croatia struck the woodwork in 27th minute, and Srna shot wide in the follow-up.

Seven minutes later it was Mandžukić's turn to hit the post, but Brozović took care of the rebound and made it 2:0 for Croatia.

Just before the break, coach Čačić had to replace injured Srna with Vrsaljko, while at half-time he changed the system to 4-4-2 and introduces L. Kalinić between the posts and Schildenfeld in defence.

In the second half, goalie Kalinić gave his contribution saving Cohen and Tibi strikes, while Croatia came near a third in the closing minutes. However, Kovačić and Vrsaljko could not find a way past Kleyman.

Croatian Football Federation will donate the part of the profits from the ticket sales for the restauration of the Vukovar water-tower, the symbol of Croatian unity, and the national team travels to Hungary for a Saturday friendly in Budapest.

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