Victorious departure to the FIFA World Cup
Croatia comeback leaves Senegal empty-handed in Osijek
08.06.2018.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia's final friendly international before the FIFA World Cup ended in victory, as Zlatko Dalić's men overcame Senegal in Osijek, despite the visitors taking the lead.
CROATIA - SENEGAL 2:1 (0:0)
Friendly international.
Gradski vrt Stadium, Osijek.
Referee: A. Farkas (Hungary)
Goals: 0:1 - Sarr (48'), 1:1 - Perišić (63'), 2:1 - Kramarić (78')
Cautions: Koulibaly (35'), Sakho (61'), N'Diaye (66'), Sane (66'), Mane (66'), Kovačić (86')
Croatia: Subašić (67' L. Kalinić), Strinić, Ćorluka, Lovren (46' Jedvaj), Vida, Rakitić (65' Kovačić), Badelj (46' Kramarić), Modrić, Perišić, Rebić (od 61' Brozović), Mandžukić (46' N. Kalinić). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
Senegal: Diallo, Sabaly, Koulibaly (82' Mbodji), Sane, Gassama, Gueye (88' N'Doye), A. N'Diaye (74' B. Ndiaye), Mane, Niang (65' Balde), Sarr (74' Diouf), Sakho (85' Sow). Head coach: A. Cisse.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Following the Sunday friendly in Liverpool against Brazil, Croatia national football team hosted Senegal in Osijek to complete the final preparation stage for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In front of the full crowd at the Gradski Vrt Stadium, Mandžukić had an early opportunity, but Croatia failed to create more clear-cut chances in the first half. Senegal internationals, on the other hand, used their pace to threaten Subašić, mainly through counterattacks.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
One of the African representatives at the final tournament in Russia managed to take the lead with only three minutes played in the second half. Sarr finished off a simple move through the middle of Croatia's defence.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić, as expected, used all six substitutions after the break, and his team notched up a gear, resulting in Kramarić hitting the bar on 52 minutes.
Soon afterwards, Kramarić had another excellent shot towards Senegal goal, and it was Perišić on 63 minutes who scored the equalizer. His free-kick was deflected and the ball flew past Diallo.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia's comeback was completed on 78 minutes. Kramarić's first effort was blocked, but the rebound fell on his left foot, and the Hoffenheim striker found the far corner to make it 2:1. Senegal was looking for the draw in the closing minutes, but Mane hit the woodwork, while Sane and N'Doye failed to find the target.
Following the weekend off, Croatia meets on Monday to fly to St. Petersburg. The Vatreni's FIFA World Cup opener is scheduled for 16 June in Kaliningrad, against Nigeria.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
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