Kane takes advantage: Modrić's World Cup start turns into a nightmare
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Modrić, in his 10th major tournament, spoiled the start by conceding a penalty which allowed Harry Kane to open the scoring. Baturina puts Croatia back on level terms, but Kane scores again before the break to give England the lead.
After the dream debuts of players like Haaland and Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing performance against Congo, another big name had a difficult start at the World Cup. Luka Modrić, who is playing his 10th major tournament with Croatia, compromised his team from the first minutes against England.
In the 9th minute, while trying to restart long, Modrić missed his ball release: turning around he caught Noni Madueke, who had appeared behind him. The referee immediately designates the penalty spot for England.
Harry Kane appears against Dominik Livaković and sees his first attempt rejected by the Croatian goalkeeper. The referee, after intervention by the VAR, however noted that Livaković had advanced to his line too early: the penalty was replayed. On the second try (12'), Kane relentlessly transformed by sending the ball into the bottom right corner.
Croatia reacted and found the answer before the break: Martin Baturina, served by a delivery from Sučić, curled his shot into the left corner and equalized (36').
But England regained the lead before half-time. Still carried by Harry Kane, the Three Lions regained the upper hand and Kane found the net again to make it 2-1 (42'), thus giving his team the advantage at the break.
Provisional assessment: a lively start to the match, marked by a costly individual error from Modrić and by Kane's efficiency on penalties, while Croatia showed offensive resources thanks to Baturina.