Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Croatia beat Hungary 3-0 to top Group E

Croatia hosted Hungary for a Euro 2020 qualifier game in Stadion Poljud, Split on October 11. Croatia, who top Group E, registered their fourth victory of over third-placed Hungary to maintain a healthy three-point lead over second-placed Slovakia.

Match Report

The match began with Croatia dominating the field which resulted in a goal in the fifth minute. Captain Luka Modric scored the opener with an incisive finish into the bottom corner. Croatia soon doubled their lead in the 24th minute with an improvised backheel by Bruno Petkovic after Ante Rebic dribbled past defenders with elan. Petkovic followed it up with another poacher's finish in the 42nd minute as Hungary's sloppy defence was left exposed. The first half ended 3-0. 

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The second half could have seen a fourth for Croatia after Rebic was brought down by Laszlo Kleinheisler only for Ivan Perisic’s penalty to be saved by Peter Gulacsi. Croatia continued to dominate the half with Modric and Ivan Rakitic failing to add on to the scoresheet. Hungary failed to really test the Croatian defence in either of the halves giving Croatia a chance to register a comprehensive victory.

Best moments

Modric continued his fine form with the national side with another masterclass in the middle of the field. His quick finish opened the scoreline for Croatia and could have easily added another in the second half. 

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Bruno Petkovic could have easily scored a hat-trick in the game, leading the line well for the home side. The 25-year old Dinamo Zagreb striker gave a man of the match performance and has now scored thrice in the Euro 2020 qualifiers and four times overall in six appearances for Croatia.

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Up next for Croatia it is Wales, while Hungary welcome Azerbaijan in the coming days for the next set of fixtures in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

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