The Czech Republic fought back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw against Croatia in a thrilling match in Saint Etienne.
Croatia started well and took the lead when Ivan Perisic netted on 27 minutes.
The Czech’s tried to become more expansive in the second half, but were hit with a sucker punch after a defensive mistake gave Ivan Rakitic the chance to double Croatia’s lead and he did so with aplomb.
With 15 minutes remaining, the Czech Republic were given a lifeline after substitute Milan Skoda headed home from a Tomas Rosicky cross.
Things would only get worse for Croatia. Crowd trouble in injury time disrupted their momentum, and then a handball from Domagoj Vida gifted Tomas Necid the chance to equalise from the spot and he made no mistake.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how every player on the pitch rated:
Czech Republic
Petr Cech – 7: Much like the first game had a strong showing. Not at fault for any of the goals conceded.
Pavel Kaderabek – 6: Tried to offer an attacking outlet down the wing but was restricted by Ivan Strinic, otherwise was one of the Czech’s better defenders.
Roman Hubnik – 4: Will not remember this match fondly. His wayward pass directly led to Croatia’s second goal.
Tomas Sivok – 6.5: Did a relatively good job in containing Mario Mandzukic.
David Limbersky – 6: Held his own for the most part. Made a crucial tackle to prevent Croatia taking a 3-1 lead on 80 minutes.
Jaroslav Plasil – 6: Laboured hard but ultimately had no end product.
Vladimir Darida – 6.5: A strong showing in the heart of the park without being spectacular.
Jiri Skalak – 4: Had no impact whatsoever. Taken off after 65 minutes.
Tomas Rosicky – 8: The Czech’s standout performer who got an assist with a lovely cross with the outside of his foot.
Ladislav Krejci – 7.5: Was productive as a link between midfield and attack. Possibly could have scored early in the second half.
David Lafata – 3: Replaced Tomas Necid pre-game and struggled to have any meaningful impact.
Substitutes
Milan Skoda – 8: Very impressive performance off the bench, gave his side a lifeline when he made it 2-1.
Josef Sural – 6: The only Czech substitute who did not score but still had an impressive showing off the bench.
Tomas Necid – 7: Introduced with only a few minutes remaining and rescued a point after dispatching a penalty in stoppage time.
Croatia
Danijel Subasic – 5: Should have done much better with the Czech Republic’s first goal as he seemed to misjudge the flight of the ball.
Darijo Srna – 8: Bravely played just days after his father’s passing, and delivered a professional, no-nonsense defensive display.
Vedran Corluka – 7: Thankfully did not sustain any similar head injuries like he did against Turkey. Started strongly but struggled as the game went on.
Domagoj Vida – 5.5: Foolishly gave away a penalty in injury time after handling the ball when it was completely needless.
Ivan Strinic – 6.5: Solid at the back whenever tested and also provided an occasional attacking outlet down the left side.
Milan Badelj – 6: Was not as spectacular as his teammates, but he played his part well nonetheless.
Luka Modric – 8: Instrumental as always. Had complete control over the Czech midfield and covered plenty of ground. Substituted on the hour mark which began his side’s downfall.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6.5: Seemed to get occasionally isolated in his uncustomary wide position.
Ivan Rakitic – 7.5: Scored the second goal of the match following a defensive mistake from the Czech Republic.
Ivan Perisic – 8: Was Croatia’s most attacking outlet early on and netted the opening goal on 37 minutes.
Mario Mandzukic – 5: Another frustrating afternoon for the striker on the international stage. Did not really have any clear chances to score.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic – 6: Will need to do more if he wants to gain a starting place for later matches.
Gordon Schildenfeld – N/A: Introduced with no time to make an impact.
Sime Vrsaljko – N/A: Introduced with no time to make an impact.
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