The VAR came to Croatia’s rescue in their comeback against Scotland. The Scottish side took everyone by surprise with Christie’s opening goal, but strikes from Matanovic and Kramaric completed the turnaround against the Scots. A late own goal from Jakic in the 98th minute raised alarm bells at Maksimir, but it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up by Che Adams, saving Dalic’s men at the death.
The first minutes of the match offered little in terms of football. Croatia controlled the ball with slow mobility and lacked clear chances. Two incisive runs from Robertson down the left side were the only noteworthy moments in a first half that struggled to gain momentum.
A blunder from Sucic during a clearance, following a cross from Doak, left the ball in the area, which Christie seized to slot it home in the 32nd minute, putting Scotland ahead.
However, the Scottish joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, a brilliant horizontal pass from Gvardiol to Perisic set up Matanovic, who struck wonderfully to equalize.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first. Croatia held possession but offered little in terms of threatening actions.
As the minutes rolled on, the Croatians turned up the intensity in search of victory. Modric attempted two shots from outside the area, both coming close to finding the net.
The Croatian pressure paid off. In the 69th minute, Kramaric capitalized on a rebound after a volley from Sosa to complete the comeback at Maksimir. Just as the final whistle was about to blow, in a convoluted play, Jakic scored an own goal in the 98th minute, but following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for an earlier offside by Che Adams. This victory earns Croatia three vital points as they chase Portugal in Group 1.
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