SWITZERLAND - CROATIA 1:2 (1:1)
International friendly.
Kybunpark, St. Gallen.
Referee: T. Martins (Portugal)
Goals: 1:0 - Gavranović (31'), 1:1 - Brekalo (42'), 1:2 - Pašalić (67')
Cautions: Kovačić (18'), Lotomba (39'), Jedvaj (90')
Switzerland: Omlin, Omeragić, Schär (76' Benito), Comert, Rodriguez (46' Zuber), Sow (64' Sohm), Xhaka (46' Freuler), Fernandes (62' Itten), Lotomba, Mehmedi (46' Vargas), Gavranović. Head coach: V. Petković.
Croatia: Livaković, Melnjak, Ćaleta-Car, Vida, Uremović (62' Jedvaj), Kovačić (56' Rog) Badelj (46' Brozović), Bradarić, Pašalić (75' Modrić), Brekalo (75' Perišić), Petković (57' Budimir). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Zlatko Dalić's men opened October international break with a friendly visit to Switzerland, and Croatia head coach decided to test a couple of new names.
After two great saves from Croatia goalie Livaković - he stopped clear-cut Rodriguez's and Gavranović's efforts - it was the hosts who took the lead, on the half-an-hour mark. Xhaka's cross was met by Gavranović, and his powerful header found the net.
Croatia soon responded, but Petković missed the target. On 42 minutes, Brekalo scored a beautiful equalizer: it was his second consecutive international goal, and Bradarić made an assist in his first appearance for Croatia.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Bradarić even came close to scoring, and in the second half Croatia took control, to be crowned with a game-winning goal. On 67 minutes, Budimir marked his own first appearance with an assist, and Pašalić provided the finish - to score his own first international goal.
On Sunday, Croatia continues its UEFA Nations League campaign, hosting Sweden in Zagreb, while the world champions France visit Maksimir Stadium next Wednesday.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
