CROATIA - MALI 2:1 (1:0)
International friendly.
Osijek, Gradski vrt Stadium.
Referee: Istvan Vad (Hungary)
Goalscorers: 1:0 - Perišić (15'), 2:0 - Perišić (64'), 2:1 - K. Traore (79')
Croatia: Pletikosa, Vida (60' Vrsaljko), Schildenfeld, Ćorluka, Srna, Vukojević, Rakitić (74' Modrić), Perišić (67' Rebić), Sammir (60' Kovačić), Olić (73' Eduardo), Mandžukić (60' Jelavić). Head coach: Niko Kovač.
Mali: Diakite, Mah. N'Diaye (59' K. Traore), Diawara, Tamboura, I. Coulibaly, Yatabare, Doumbia, Toure, A. Traore (46' Mam. N'Diaye), Dicko (76' K. Coulibaly), Sako (76' Diarra). Head coach: Henryk Kasperczak.
In front of the sold-out Gradski vrt Stadium in Osijek, Croatia managed to beat Mali, with the ticket sales profits to be donated to the victims of the severe floods in Slavonia.
Niko Kovač's men were to be tested after the training camp in Austria, and before the World Cup opening match against Brazil they are to play another international friendly, against Australia.
Olić and Perišić missed the first opportunities, but Croatia took the lead in the 15th minute. Rakitić sent a through ball for Perišić, who beat Diakite one-on-one.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the second half, Croatia created a couple of chances and doubled the lead. Vrsaljko came close, and in the 64th minute Rakitić's corner was headed by Olić to Perišić, who once again found the net.
The visitors reduced their deficit in the 79th minute, courtesy of K. Traore and Diarra, but could not get an equalizer. Croatia now gets ready to travel to South America.
