Another step towards EURO 2020
Excellent Croatia performance for a valuable win in Slovakia
06.09.2019.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
The Vatreni have passed an important Trnava exam with highest grades, defeating hosts with a convincing four-goal margin.
SLOVAKIA - CROATIA 0:4 (0:1)
EURO 2020 qualifying, Group E.
Stadium Anton Malatinsky, Trnava.
Referee: F. Brych (Germany)
Goals: 0:1 - Vlašić (45'), 0:2 - Perišić (46'), 0:3 - Petković (72'), 0:4 - Lovren (89')
Cautions: -
Slovakia: Dubravka, Hancko, Škriniar, Vavro, Valjent, Hamšik, Lobotka, Kucka (63' Haraslin), Mak (79' Duriš), Duda, Rusnak (46' Boženik). Head coach: P. Hapal.
Croatia: Livaković, Barišić, Vida, Lovren, Bartolec, Brozović, Modrić, Vlašić (81' Badelj), Perišić, Rebić (70' Brekalo), Petković (83' Pašalić). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Zlatko Dalić's men celebrate their third victory in four EURO 2020 qualifiers. Following home wins over Azerbaijan and Wales, they topped Slovakia away, with Vlašić finding the net in the last second of the first half.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia's lead was more than deserved. The Vatreni were in full swing, creating chances, and Brozović hit the bar after just eight minutes. Vida missed from close range, Petković run through Slovakia's defence only to be denied by Dubravka, and Perišić then hit the woodwork - twice.
The second half started even better. Perišić's effort from outside of the box was deflected out of Dubravka's reach and it was 2:0 to Croatia.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The World Cup runners-up have continued to play in the same manner, and were rewarded on 72 minutes, when Petković provided a cheeky finish. Bartolec, Brekalo, and Pašalić tried to find a fourth, but it was Lovren who finally headed home in the closing minutes to make it 4:0.
In the other Group E match on Friday, Wales beat Azerbaijan 2:1. On Monday, Croatia visits Azerbaijan, while Slovakia visits Hungary.
EURO 2020 qualifying, Group E:
1. Hungary 9 (4)
2. Croatia 9 (4)
3. Wales 6 (4)
4. Slovakia 6 (4)
5. Azerbaijan 0 (4)
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
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