Croatia beats Tunisia to reach final of FIFA Series in Egypt

Croatia beats Tunisia to reach final of FIFA Series in Egypt

Croatia has reached the final of the FIFA Series 2024 in Egypt after beating Tunisia after a penalty shoot-out on Saturday night in Cairo.

Scores were locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and the game would be decided on penalties which would be won by Croatia 5-4.

Nikola Vlašić and Josip Juranović would miss for Croatia but keeper Ivica Ivušić would save three Tunisian penalties.  

The tournament, which also features Egypt and New Zealand, is mainly being used as a team building exercise for coach Zlatko Dalić as he starts his Euro 2024 preparations.

Croatia, playing in their brand new away kit for the first time, started with their strongest available line-up.

Joško Gvardiol took up his more accustom role as left centre-back, whilst the experienced trio of captain Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić started in the midfield.

Tunisia, ranked 29th in the world, had a clear game-plan, to get all men behind the ball and wait for a chance to counter.

Croatia controlled possession albeit with the tempo more resembling a training session in the opening stages.

Tunisia would put the ball in the back of the net from a set piece in the first half but VAR would rule it out for offside.

Chances were few and far between but the game would open up more once a host of changes were made in the second half.

Gvardiol came close with a header and Tunisia also had a great chance with a header from in front with 15 minutes remaining. Marco Pašalić came close in added time but the match would be decided on penalties.

Hosts Egypt maintained its recent undefeated streak against New Zealand with a 1-0 win at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night in the first semi-final.

Croatia will now meet the seven-time African champions Egypt in the final on Tuesday, March 26 in Cairo.