CROATIA - GIBRALTAR 4:0 (2:0)
Friendly match.
NK Varaždin Stadium, Varaždin.
Referee: Matej Jug (Slovenia)
Goalscorers: 1:0 - Sharbini (7'), 2:0 - Kovačić (15'), 3:0 - Mandžukić (53' - 11m), 4:0 - Kramarić (77')
Yellow cards: Jedvaj (31'), Bosio (53')
Croatia: Subašić, Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Lešković, Leovac, Badelj (65' Jajalo), Pjaca (57' Perišić), Brozović (65' Pašalić), Kovačić (46' Rebić), Sharbini (46' Kramarić), Mandžukić (57' Kalinić). Manager: N. Kovač.
Gibraltar: Perez (46' Robba), Bosio, Garcia (75' Lopez), R. Casciaro, Rovegno (46' Chipolina), Bardon (46' Sergeant), Walker, Guiling, Priestley, Duarte (46' Coombes), Gosling (5' K. Casciaro). Manager: D. Wilson.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
As expected, Croatia took the initiative from the first minute and scored an early goal in compliance with manager Kovač's wishes.
Seven minutes into the game, Vrsaljko found Sharbini to easily put the ball home. In 15th minute, Kovačić also struck with a cheeky strike from inside the box following Jedvaj's long ball from defence.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia had clear advantage in possession, shots on goal and corners, while Gibraltar goalie Perez shined with an excellent performance, stopping home team's efforts.
In the second half, Croatia slowed down and still managed to score two more. It was Mandžukić who converted the penalty kick in 53rd minute, and Kramarić headed in to wrap things up to 4:0 in Varaždin.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
"We really like what we have seen, especially in the first half. We had plenty of chances, and there were positives from the second half too. It was important for me to see my players in a friendly match after a long, difficult club season", said Croatia manager Niko Kovač.
"Croatia had nice support from the almost full crowd, and I believe people have enjoyed the match. Therefore, our mission is accomplished, and Mandžukić worked for himself and the entire team, finally scored a goal and this should provide him with enough self-confidence ahead of the Italy encounter", concluded Kovač.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
