Wednesday’s 4-2 victory against the Netherlands allowed Croatia advance to the Nations League final with goals from Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric in extra time.
In addition to getting one step closer to winning their first trophy, Zlatko Dalic’s team, who made it to the World Cup semifinals last year, once again proved they are experts in extra time.
Donyell Malen had given the Dutch the lead before Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic scored in the second half.
However, Noa Lang salvaged an equalizer for the Netherlands in the 96th minute to force an extra 30 minutes of play.
Eight minutes into extra time, Petkovic managed to elude Frenkie de Jong and score outside the box to give Croatia a crucial lead. Modric then converted a penalty to seal the victory.
The Nations League represents one of the last chances for Croatia’s elder statesmen, including Real Madrid midfielder Modric, to taste international triumph.
LUKA MODRIC ASSISTED, WON A PEN AND SCORED IN EXTRA TIME TO SEND CROATIA TO THE FINAL!
Another chance at an international trophy 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/OfUHHYBVM0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 14, 2023
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“It’s a victory for the Croatian people, we beat the Netherlands in front of their fans, Croatia has one more medal — it’s impossible, unreal, but she deserves it,” Croatia coach Dalic told his country’s Nova TV.
“Nothing upset the team, they know what they are playing for, above all, Croatia. You endure everything for Croatia.
“This is one of our biggest victories, to win 4-2 on their ground, we were losing, we conceded in the 96th minute.
“Surely this is a victory which will go down in history.”
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