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Dominant Croatia beat Poland in Osijek

Croatia celebrate goal against Poland in Osijek

Croatia celebrate goal against Poland in Osijek

Croatia has secured a 1-0 victory over Poland in their second UEFA Nations League match at Opus Arena in Osijek tonight, thanks to a stunning free-kick from captain Luka Modrić.

The veteran midfielder, who scored just two hours before his 39th birthday, curled the ball into the top corner to give his team the win.

Following a 2-1 loss to Portugal in their first game, Croatia bounced back with another strong performance.

Coach Zlatko Dalić stuck with the 3-5-2 formation and handed a start to promising striker Igor Matanović.

Croatia dominated possession from start to finish, benefiting from the extra man in midfield. Marko Pjaca put in a decent shift on the right wing, frequently taking on his marker and delivering crosses into the box in the first half.

The left side, however, proved problematic once again, as Borna Sosa was ineffective in attack and struggled to support Joško Gvardiol. Sosa, not a natural wing-back, left Croatia lacking pace and creativity on that flank.

In midfield, Mateo Kovačić and Luka Modrić were standout performers again. Kovačić especially shone in the second half, controlling the tempo and breaking past his opponents to set up attacks.

Defensively, the back three looked more solid than in the loss to Portugal. Duje Ćaleta-Car was more assured than Marin Pongračić, and Josip Šutalo had a very strong game.

Substitute Luka Sučić made a positive impact when he came on, showing flashes of his quality.

Striker Matanović was again busy throughout the match, creating space and getting himself on the end of a few half chances. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net, he left the pitch to a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the game.

Overall, Croatia looked dominant in possession, just as they did in the second half against Portugal, but clinical finishing is still needed to put games to bed.

For coach Dalić, there is plenty to be happy about. The new formation has brought an improvement in Croatia’s play since the Euros.

With injured players returning and the younger players gaining more club experience, Dalić has reasons to be optimistic.

Croatia’s next match will be against Scotland in Zagreb on 12th October.

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