Czech Republic looked down and out after Perisic and Rakitic’s goals before crawling their way back late in the game. Croatia have now won both of their games but may face disqualification from the tournament after the actions of their fans.
Darijo Srna captained Croatia after flying home to attend his father’s funeral and the experienced full back looked emotional during the national anthem and the first competitive meeting between these sides started with Croatia on top with Mandzukic testing Cech inside the first 2 minutes.
Perisic had a great opportunity to open the scoring after 20 minutes but could not stretch enough to convert Mandzukic’s cross. Croatia continued to dominate the game and Ivan Rakitic tested Petr Cech who kept out his left footed strike. The first goal of the game did arrive moments later when Ivan Perisic finished past Cech to give croatia the lead.
Czech Republic went into halftime without a shot on goal and waited till 51 minutes to test Croatian goalkeeper Daniel Subasic.
However a terrible defensive error allowed Rakitic to run free who finished sublimely past Cech to give Croatia total control in the game.
Skoda headed in a brilliant curling cross from Rosicky to give some hope to Czech Republic in the 76th minute before the game was interrupted moments later after Croatia fans behind Cech’s goal threw out flares on the pitch.
Croatia were in control before Vida threw it all away , he handled the ball inside his own half and the referee pointed straight at the spot, with substitute Necid putting it in.
The game was thrilling and evenly contested and Croatia have on paper qualified for the second round barring official action.
