First meeting, one goal, all three points

The Tampere encounter was scheduled for 9 October 2016, in the third round of Group I competition, and Ante Čačić's men carried away the spoils (1:0), courtesy of Mario Mandžukić goal on 18 minutes. The Juventus strikers made the best out of Šime Vrsaljko cross and Andrej Kramarić effort.

Later on, Ivan Perišić hit the woodwork, Duje Čop and Mario Mandžukić also tried to find the target, while the hosts managed to create a couple of stirs in front of Danijel Subašić goal. However, the Croatian delegation was the happier side at the final whistle.

"This was a really competitive match as the hosts played in a tight formation, waiting for their chances. Finland does a good job in defence, and is quick to come forward. Croatia wanted to stay true to its style, we managed to score, but it wasn't easy. I believe Croatia justified the role of favourites and deserved to win, since Finland has basically had no clear-cut opportunities, and we were in position to double the lead", summarized head coach Čačić following the match.

In Finland, the Vatreni were without the captain Luka Modrić, as well as Ivan Rakitić, Vedran Ćorluka, Dejan Lovren, and Marko Pjaca, yet they were successful in achieving their objective and moving on towards the next challenge, the November face-off with Iceland in Zagreb.

"This was not a brilliant performance, but the three points is what counts. Only the outcome will be remembered. We were missing several first-team players, and their replacements have confirmed they can be relied upon", emphasized Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subašić.

Interestingly, goalscorer Mandžukić also wore the captain's armband, and Perišić took over his duty in the closing minutes.

Throughout the match, the tough Finnish side has once again confirmed that through unity and some talented individuals it can present a formidable obstacle. In Rijeka, Finland can make life difficult for Croatia, but the Vatreni remain on the same mission as a year ago.

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