Rakitic Saves Croatia World Cup Hopes

October 19, 2008

Before Croatia met Andorra at the Makismir Stadium in Zagreb, the Croatian squad predicted that if they could get the first goal of the match they would be well on their way to a victory. 16 minutes into the game, Ivan Rakitic found the back of the net fulfilling their first goal prediction. Just before the half time whistle, Ivica Olic went down in the box and a penalty was awarded to Croatia. Luka Modric stepped up to take the kick but it was superbly blocked by the Andorran keeper. Luka’s follow-up was pushed wide and Olic tapped it in making the score 2-0.

In the second half, Croatia secured their victory when Modric reacted to a quickly taken cross and fired in the third goal. The last goal went to Rakitic, after another spot-kick found by Mandzukic; this sealed the game with a much needed 4-0 victory.

The only down side to this victory is the yellow card shown to Josip Simunic after he had a few words with the referee, which means he will not be present for the return fixture at the beginning of next year. Now with seven points in the group tables, still five behind England, Croatia take second place; Bilic has said they will “remain optimistic” about where they are placed in their group. When the qualifiers start up again next year, they will have Eduardo Da Silva and Niko Kranjcar back, fully fit, and ready to go. Also Niko Kovac and Dario Srna will return after a yellow card from their last match with the Ukraine.

“I would like to congratulate Andorran as well as Croatian players for their fair play. Special congratulations go to my players, who played very well, because it is not an easy task to play when you have on your mind the need to break through the field bunker and score four, five, or six goals. Although Petric and Klasnic did not score, they are also responsible for this win,” said Bilic in praise after the game.

Jill Guthrie

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