A draw in Split

Wales' last minute equalizer spoils Croatia's start

25.03.2023.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

Following the bronze-winning campaign at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Croatia national football team embarked on the road towards UEFA EURO 2024, against Wales in Split - with the shares spoiled.

CROATIA - WALES 1:1 (1:0)
EURO 2024 qualifying, Group D.
Poljud, Split.

Referee: J. Pinheiro (Portugal)

Goals: 1:0 - Kramarić (28'), 1:1 - Broadhead (90+3')

Cautions: Ampadu (25'), Juranović (31')

Croatia: Livaković, Sosa, Gvardiol, Šutalo, Juranović, Brozović, Modrić (90+2' Majer), Kovačić (76' Pašalić), Perišić, Kramarić (76' Vlašić), Livaja (53' Musa). Head coach: Z. Dalić.

Wales: Ward, Williams, Rodon, Mepham, Roberts, Morrell (90+2' J. James), Ramsey (64' Burns), Wilson (64' Thomas), Ampadu, D. James (64' Broadhead), Moore (70' Bradshaw). Head coach: R. Page.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Zlatko Dalić's men, in their first appearance after the World Cup in Qatar, have drawn 1:1 with Wales at the sold-out Poljud Stadium in Split, despite having the lead until the very last minute.

From the very first minute, Croatia controlled the match and seeked to score, with Modrić and Kramarić creating first threats for goalkeeper Ward. Perišić's goal was then cancelled due to an attacking foul.

Before the match, retired Croatia defenders Dejan Lovren and Ivan Strinić received personalized shirts and supporters' applause.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

On 31 minutes, however, the hosts took the lead - Kramarić managed to find space just outside the box and found the net with a low shot. Croatia did not stop there, Modrić and Sosa came close to a second, but it remained a one-goal advantage.

At the beginning of the second half, Kovačić failed to convert a great move, while James missed the target in what was the best opportunity for the visitors. Ten minutes from time, Perišić struck the woodwork.

As he came off the bench in the second half, Benfica striker Petar Musa made his debut in the Croatia senior national team.

It seemed that Croatia will celebrate the opening victory, but three minutes into added time the Welsh debutant Broadhead found enough room to equalize.

In the other Group D match, Turkey celebrated a 2:1 away win at Armenia, and it's Turkey that Croatia visits on Tuesday in Bursa.

EURO 2024 qualifying, Group D:
1. Turkey 3 (1)
2. Croatia 1 (1)
3. Wales 1 (1)
4. Latvia 0 (0)
5. Armenia 0 (1)

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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