Wales defeated in Osijek

Croatia back to winning ways

08.06.2019.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

Zlatko Dalić's men secured another three points on their way towards the EURO 2020, defeating Wales 2:1 in Osijek.

CROATIA - WALES 2:1 (1:0)
EURO 2020 qualifier, Group E.
Gradski Vrt Stadium, Osijek.

Referee: I. Kovacs (Romania)

Goals: 1:0 - Lawrence (17' - og), 2:0 - Perišić (48'), 2:1 - Brooks (77')

Cautions: Brekalo (28'), Bale (49'), Jedvaj (50'), Lovren (54'), Vida (69'), Brozović (90+2')

Croatia: Livaković, Barišić, Vida, Lovren, Jedvaj, Brozović, Modrić, Perišić (90+3' Škorić), Kovačić (76' Badelj), Brekalo (67' Pašalić), Kramarić. Head coach: Z. Dalić.

Wales: Hennessey, Davies, Lawrence, Mepham, Roberts, Smith (65' Brooks), Allen, James (79' Matondo), Vaulks (66' Ampadu), Wilson, Bale. Head coach: R. Giggs.

Following two 2:0 victories over Wales in Osijek, in 2010 and 2012, Croatia managed to secure another win against the same opponent. This Saturday, the scoreboard was showing a 2:1 Croatia victory.

In front of the full crowd, 17.000 spectators, the match begun with a moment of silence in memory of the former UEFA president Lennart Johansson and two young girls that tragically passed away in the car accident near Novska.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

In the opening minutes, Croatia took control which resulted in Perišić and Kramarić efforts, but it was Wales defender Lawrence that diverted Perišić's cross on 17 minutes to give the World Cup runners-up the lead.

Before half-time, Kramarić tried with a curling effort, with Vaulks and Davies responding seconds before the break - it was Livaković that saved Croatia's net.

Just after the second half kick-off, Hennessey intervened when Brekalo was presented with an opportunity, while Kovačić scored on the rebound, only to be denied by an offside decision. However, a minute later, Perišić converted another rebound to make it 2:0 to Croatia.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Later on, Bale had three promising chances for Wales, but failed to find the target or beat Livaković. On 77 minutes, though, Brooks' shot was deflected by Vida and crossed the line (2:1).

Kramarić could have sealed Croatia's victory in the dramatic closing minutes, and Brooks could have scored the equalizer on the other side, but Livaković denied him.

In the remaining June qualifiers in Group E, Azerbaijan hosts Hungary and Slovakia, and Hungary hosts Wales, while Croatia is to play a Tunisia friendly in Varaždin on 11 June.

EURO 2020 qualifying, Group E:
1. Croatia 6 (3)
2. Slovakia 3 (2)
3. Wales 3 (2)
4. Hungary 3 (2)
5. Azerbaijan 0 (1)

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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