DBasia.news – Croatia has ensured tickets to the 2020 European Cup finals after beating Slovakia 3-1 in their Group E qualifying match at the Rijeka HNK Stadium.
Coming from behind 0-1 through Robert Bozenik’s goal on the 32 minutes, Croatia turned 3-1 ahead through goals by Nikola Vlasic (56 ‘), Bruno Petkovic (60’) and Ivan Perisic (74) ‘.
Croatia actually only need one point to qualify for the 2020 European Cup finals. If they drew they would be adrift of four points with Wales in the top three who have collected 11 points.
Playing before themselves, Croatia is more favored than Slovakia, especially in the first match they won 0-4.
Coming from behind in the first half by Robert Bozenic in the first half, Croatia immediately pushed up to master the game with an average possession of the ball up to more than 60 percent throughout the match.
The new host is able to equalize in the 55th minute through a horizontal kickby Nikola Vlasic after receiving feedback from Dino Peric. Four minutes later it was Bruno Petkovic’s turn to bring Croatia back ahead for their guests.
Starting from a corner kick that was executed by Luka Modric, the ball was directed right at Petkovic who was just heading to bring Croatia to a 2-1 lead.
Slovakia increasingly pressed when attacker, Robert Mak, was sent off the field after receiving a red card. Winning in the number of players was correctly utilized by Croatia. Ivan Perisic made Slovakia increasingly immersed through a goal in the 73rd minute.
These results has made Croatia qualify for the 2020 European Cup finals by collecting 17 points to top the Group E standings.