Croatia wins big, one hand on World Cup ticket

Modric's team beat Greece 4-1 at home in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup European play-off round.

Croatia 4-1 Greece playoff WC 2018

Croatia needed just over 10 minutes to take the lead. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis handled the ball carelessly in the box and then fouled Nikola Kalinic in the ensuing collision. Captain Luka Modric made no mistake from the penalty spot, putting the home team ahead.

With the early goal, Croatia's mentality was relieved. They continuously organized attacks on Greece's goal. Six minutes after Modric's goal, the creator of the penalty - Kalinic - doubled the gap with a delicate finish, coming from a cross from the left wing by Ivan Strinic.

Modric celebrates opening goal

Despite conceding two goals in less than 20 minutes, Greece were not discouraged and did not let themselves be drawn into Croatia's style of play. Michael Skibbe's players calmly waited for their opportunity, instead of rushing forward to attack.

This tactic worked. In the 30th minute, Sokratis Papastathopoulos chose the right spot, jumped high and headed the ball into the top corner, after a corner kick from the left wing. The ball went into the box and goalkeeper Danijel Subasic stood still watching.

However, the night of November 9 belonged to the Croatians. Three minutes after Greece's goal, Ivan Perisic restored the two-goal gap with a smart run, then headed in from close range.

Perisic's goal crushed all Greek resistance

The Inter striker's goal crushed any resistance from the visitors. Croatia continued to dominate and scored a fourth goal early in the second half. Andrej Kramaric took full advantage of the Greek defender's pass to tap in from close range.

The score could have been higher if Croatia had made good use of the chances they created. The plaid team had 21 shots in the whole match, most of which were dangerous.

However, the 4-1 victory was enough to help Croatia set one foot in Russia in the summer of 2018. They will play the second leg in Greece on November 12.

According to VNE