Ivan Perisic’s stoppage time winner broke Iceland hearts, robbing them of a result to end their first World Cup campaign with a positive result, as Croatia ran out 2-1 winners to take maximum points from Group D.
Milan Badelj had given his side the lead in the second half before Gylfi Sigurdsson levelled from the penalty spot. The European minnows gave it their all, but despite a far from vintage Croatia display, it wasn’t enough.
Here are four talking points from the game in Rostov.
Iceland’s bravery wasn’t enough as much-changed Croatia snatch victory
It has already been a theme running through the last week of the group stage; the better sides in the competition, those chasing progression to the last 16, have been resting some key players in the likelihood they will get through. Croatia were in a better position than most, already through and all but guaranteed top spot in the group. Ivan Rakitic played sublimely well against Argentina in the last game, grabbing the third goal in their comprehensive victory, but he was rested and replaced by Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic, who has enough quality to star regularly in his own right. There wasn’t much movement or intent in their play, but with captain and talisman Luka Modric on the pitch, they had no problem containing Iceland for the most part and dictating the tempo.
Iceland ended the first half strongly, going close through Alfred Finnbogason; he shot wide before Birkir Bjarnasson and Aron Gunnarson forced Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic, standing at 6 foot 7, into two fantastic saves. Modric, though, looked completely untouchable in possession; turning defence into a swift counter attack with a deft pirouette time after time. Andrej Kramaric, Perisic and Marko Pjaca couldn’t take any of the chances he was laying on for them. It came down to Badelj, Modric’s midfield partner, who smacked the bar with a stunning effort the distance just moments earlier, to give them the lead with a controlled finish past Hannes Haldorsson in the 53rd minute.
Inexperienced Croatian defence came under siege but Iceland struggled to finish chances
Two of the biggest changes made by Zlatko Dalic included starting Kalinic over Danijel Subasic and Duje Caleta Car, making just his second appearance for the national side, ahead of Dejan Lovren. Sime Vrsaljko also made way for Tin Jedvaj, who looked to maintain the width and help to create space for Modric in the middle of the pitch whenever he got forward.
But there were holes in behind him for Hordur Magnusson in particular to run into, which Badelj had to help cover. Iceland continued to push and probe into the second half, but for the most part, Croatia kept them at bay. Kalinic continued to look imposing in goal, and Caleta Car grew in confidence alongside the experienced former Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur defender Vedran Corluka.
Yet, the response to going behind was impressive from Iceland; they looked intent on going out of their first World Cup with a bang. Kalinic made another two good saves directly after Badelj’s goal; Bjarnasson and Magnusson were again heavily involved, exposing the space behind Jedvaj, supplying Finnbogason with crosses into the box. The former missed a golden chance to equalise with 20 minutes remaining, while Johann Berg Gudmundsson made a real difference on his return to the side. The biggest compliment thar can be paid to Iceland is that they were a constant threat without going through Sigurdsson, though he was able to exercise the ghosts of his miss from the spot against Nigeria with the equaliser after Lovren’s handball.
Mateo Kovacic staked a claim for Croatia while impressing potential suitors
It would be easy for Kovacic to resent Modric, the player who not only keeps his out of the Croatia team on a regular basis, but also reduces his opportunities at club level. The 24-year-old has played a key, if sporadic role at Real Madrid over recent years, but now is the time for him to step up and grab his chance consistently for both club and country. He made a good start against Iceland, stamping his authority on the game when Modric was substituted in the second half. He was then replaced by Rakitic with around ten minutes remaining.
Reports suggest he could be available for around £40million this summer; any Premier League manager looking for a player to dominate football matches should look no further. Croatia face Denmark, a very direct side, in the next round; starting Kovacic, Modric and Rakitic would be bold, but it could see them dominate the midfield area as much as they did against Argentina.
Croatia’s chopping and changing should be a lesson to other teams
Croatia will be more than happy with the result on the night and in Group D generally, but they were far from at their best. Missing Mario Mandzukic up front, they struggled for much potency despite their win; the cohesion that saw them dismantle Argentina just wasn’t there, all because they made so many changes; nine in all.
Other teams in a similar position, such as England, may not be so lucky if they take away the momentum like Croatia did. But as they head through, Iceland bow out having performed with their typical bravery and endeavour; all the signs suggest they will be back soon.
