The Croatian national football team won 2:1 against Slovenia in Varaždin in the last preparatory match before the World Cup.
Croatia opened the match better, and the first half brought several chances on both sides, Slovenia’s goal and Dominik Livaković’s excellent defense.
Already in the early stages of the match, the Flames were dangerous over Ivan Perišić and Ante Budimirbut without changing the result. Slovenia responded in the 11th minute when Lovrić hit the post after a quick counter, with the intervention of Livaković.
Croatia then had several good situations, especially through Marc Pašalić and Mateo Kovačićbut Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak remained unstoppable. In the 20th minute, Perišić tried attractive scissorswhile Croatia had the biggest opportunity in the 25th minute when Budimir he failed to score from close range.
In the 38th minute Livakovic reacted brilliantly after a mistake by Kovačić and an attempt by Vipotnik, which prevented Slovenia’s lead. The first half ended with several dangerous situations in front of both goals, but the break was scoreless.
The Slovenians started strongly in the continuation. He scored an excellent attempt in the 47th Vipotnikbut Livaković managed to “take it out” from under the beam. Perišić responded immediately on the other side, but Oblak is safe.
Croatia took the lead in the 51st minute when Luka Modric shot from the top of the penalty area for 1:0. Vipotnik threatened again in the 61st minute from a good action by the visitors, but Livaković defended.
The Slovenians equalized in the 83rd minute through the experienced Sporara which is took advantage of Baturina’s big mistake when returning the ball and easily hit for 1:1.
Mario Pasalic he scored the winning goal for the finals 2:1 in stoppage time, so the Flames travel to the World Cup after a positive result.
Croatia will open its appearance at the World Cup on June 17 with a match against of England in Dallas. Then follows a meeting with Panama on June 23 in Toronto, while the competition in Group L will conclude on June 27 with a test against Ghana in Philadelphia.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Vjeran Zganec Rogulja/PIXSELL)
