By Daily Sports on June 9, 2018

Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric staked a strong claim to break into their starting lineup for their opening World Cup match against Nigeria after scoring the winner in a comeback 2-1 home win over Senegal in a pulsating friendly on Friday.

Kramaric produced a superb all-round performance after coming on as a half-time substitute, injecting life into a toothless Croatian side, which fell behind to an Ismaila Sarr goal in the 48th minute.

Winger Ivan Perisic equalised with a heavily deflected free kick before Kramaric showed a killer instinct in the penalty area, drilling in a rebound after a Senegalese defender blocked his first shot.

The Croatians open their Group D campaign against Nigeria on June 16 before taking on Argentina and Iceland, while Senegal play Poland on June 19 in Group H followed by games against Japan and Colombia.

Croatia dominated possession in the first half but their ineffective 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mario Mandzukic as the lone striker, created no clear cut chances while Senegal always looked dangerous on the break.

The visitors silenced a packed and passionate home crowd in Osijek as Sarr latched on to a delightful long ball by Alfred N’Diaye from the halfway line and steered it past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

Lively Kramaric, whose running enabled Croatia to move up a gear, shaved the crossbar before Perisic levelled from 30 metres as the ball struck a defender in the Senegalese wall and left goalkeeper Abdoulaye Diallo wrong-footed.

The fired-up Croatians kept the visitors on the back foot and Kramaric deservedly grabbed the winner when he drove a left-footed rebound into the bottom corner after a delightful through ball by captain Luka Modric.

Sadio Mane, who gave Croatia's defenders a torrid time all evening with his pace and trickery, missed Senegal's last chance to salvage a draw as he rattled the woodwork with a free kick. (ESPN)

•Photo shows Croatia's Kramaric

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 9, 2018

Neymar’s Verdict: Champions League qualification ‘practically impossible’ for...

Super Falcons star Onumonu retires from football

Togo include WAFA and Legon Cities players in...

Bayelsa, Enugu land in 18th Milo Basketball Equatorial...

Senegal, Algeria Battle for Nations Cup Glory

Lawal: Why Kante Deserves 2021 Ballon d’Or