FINLAND - CROATIA 0:1 (0:1)
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group I.
Tampere Stadium, Tampere.
Referee: R. Buquet (France)
Goals: 0:1 - Mandžukić (18')
Cautions: Ring (54'), Moisander (72'), Vrsaljko (77')
Finland: Hradecky, Väisänen (87' Riski), Arajuuri, Ojala, Raitala, Moisander, Saksela, Arkivuo (46' Schüller), Lod, Ring (67' Lam), Puuki. Head coach: H. Backe.
Croatia: Subašić, Pivarić, Vida, Mitrović, Vrsaljko, Badelj, Kovačić, Brozović (71' Čop), Perišić, Kramarić (81' Rog), Mandžukić (87' N. Kalinić). Head coach: A. Čačić.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Following the away win over Kosovo on Thursday, Croatia took the spoils on Sunday away at Finland as well.
Croatian attempts to break through sturdy Finnish defence paid off in 18th minute, when Vrsaljko crossed from the right, Kramarić took a shot, and Mandžukić header confirmed the goal.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
However, the hosts did not change their firm gameplane, and the first half ended with no significant chances on both sides, leaving Croatia with a one-goal lead.
Neither did the second half open more room for Croatian attacks, while Finland managed to create a couple of scuffles in front of Subašić, mostly from set-pieces, but lacking the finishing touch.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the final 15 minutes, Croatia did threaten the Finnish goalie, and Perišić hit the post from the edge of the box. Hradecky then stopped two Čop's and one Mandžukić's effort.
Ante Čačić's men finally held on and await November, and the home clash with Iceland in Zagreb on seven points. Ukraine defeated Kosovo 3:0, and Iceland overpowered Turkey 2:0.
Group I:
1. Croatia 7 (3)
2. Iceland 7 (3)
3. Ukraine 5 (3)
4. Turkey 2 (2)
5. Finland 1 (3)
6. Kosovo 1 (3)
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
