Croatia were making a name for themselves as the dark horses at Euro 2016 and while they may yet salvage their title dreams, a capitulation of sorts against Czech Republic on Friday put their progress in jeopardy.
Here’s how it all went horribly wrong for the Croats.
MODRIC SUBSTITUTION
Croatia’s strength lies in their midfield and Luka Modric is most certainly their lynchpin in there. The Real Madrid player was in a spot of bother and was taken off as a precautionary measure in the 62nd minute with the team 2-0 up and in cruise control.
Modric’s injury proved costly
Although Mateo Kovacic is a fantastic replacement to bring on, Modric’s control over a game can make all the difference. Had he remained on the pitch, odds are that he would’ve helped the team keep the ball better and get over the finish line.
SKODA IMPACT
Milan Skoda came off the bench in the 67th minute and finally gave the Croatian centre-backs a real problem. The aerial threat he poses came into play just eight minutes later as he quite exquisitely guided Tomas Rosicky’s ball into the box past the keeper with a looping header. Suddenly, the Czechs were right back in it.
Skoda brings #cze to 1-2 against #cro #czecro #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/vddd7hgKei
— Euro 2016 (@EK_2016France) June 17, 2016
UNTIMELY CROWD DISRUPTION
With moments to go until the final whistle, Croatia were holding on for three valuable points. However, a group of their own fans made things difficult for them with an unnecessary disruption of the game. Several flares were thrown onto the field of play, with one even going off as a steward tried to remove it from the ground.
Croatia’s players were seen trying to reason with that section of the stands as they were desperate for the match to go on. However, when play finally did resume, the Croats had visibly lost their concentration and Domagoj Vida’s handball saw them concede an injury time penalty and subsequent equaliser as the game slipped through their fingers.
