Eduardo returns in Croatian triumph

February 13, 2009

After a friendly match in Bucharest, Romania, Croatia came away victorious. Romania went into the game without the injured Adrian Mutu and Cristian Chivu, while Croatia brought their previously injured striker Eduardo da Silva back into action. However, Croatia faced their first game without their retired captain, Niko Kovac. A new captain was needed, so Darijo Srna was handed the arm band.

Romania dominated the first half and opened the scoring through Ciprian Marica in the 22nd minute. But, nearly six minutes later, Croatia equalized by scoring from a free kick taken by Ivan Rakitic. Just after the hour mark, Eduardo was introduced and proved to be of help as he assisted Niko Kranjcar to score the winning goal in the 75th minute.

After a year of being sidelined, Eduardo was anxious to get back into the national squad and expressed how happy he was after the match. “What can I say? I am thrilled to be back. I am glad the fans and journalists saw I was not afraid. I admit I was nervous before the game, but I think everything went well.”

In two months Croatia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume as they play Andorra for the second time in their campaign.

Jill Guthrie

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