RUSSIA - CROATIA 1:3 (1:0)
Friendly international.
Olimp-2 Stadium, Rostov on Don.
Referee: C. Turpin (France)
Goals: 1:0 - Smolov (15'), 1:1 - N. Kalinić (57'), 1:2 - Brozović (59'), 1:3 - Mandžukić (81')
Yellow cards: Perišić (29'), Vida (36')
Russia: Lodygin (46' Rebrov), Kombarov (65' Novoseltsev), Semenov, Vasin (89' Ignashevich), Shishkin, Glushakov (71' Mamaev), Ionov (65' Ignatyev), Shirokov, Iusupov, Chernyshev (70' Dzyuba), Smolov. Head coach: L. Slutski.
Croatia: L. Kalinić (90+1' Vargić), Pivarić, Vida, Lešković, Srna (46' Vrsaljko), Močinić, Badelj, Brozović, Perišić, Mandžukić (87' Kramarić), N. Kalinić (75' Milović). Head coach: A. Čačić.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia faced Russia twice in the EURO 2008 qualifying, with both matches ending in goalless draws, but on Tuesday Rostov on Don witnessed some goals. According to Croatian wishes, Russia had to concede more.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The host nation took the lead in 15th minute, when Smolov finished off a slick Russian move, while Mandžukić and Perišić failed to respond in best Croatian chances in the first half.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
However, Croatia managed to turn the tide after the break. In-form striker Kalinić found the net to equalizer in 57th minute, following Vrsaljko's low cross.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Two minutes later, Brozović decided to shoot from the edge of the box and scored a stunner, sending the ball under the crossbar to give Croatia the lead.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia goalkeeper Kalinić made his contribution with an excellent save denying Russian comeback, and Mandžukić sealed the victory ten minutes before time, Vrsaljko again with the assist.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
