· 2 min readIn this England vs Croatia match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
It was one of the most interesting matches of this first round. England with more talent, more depth, but with that constant pressure hanging over Tuchel. On the other side, Croatia, less fresh, but with that almost irritating ability to always compete.
The game started with an immediate impact. In the 12th minute, Kane stepped up to take the penalty after already having missed one before (the penalty was retaken because the Croatian goalkeeper saved it while off his line), and he went to the same side again. 1-0.
England were the better side at that stage, more aggressive, more direct, with Kane heavily involved not only in finishing but also in build-up play. Croatia took time to get into the game, but once they did, they started to level things out.
The equaliser came from a moment of quality. In the 36th minute, the ball was worked down the right, Sučić held it up inside the box and laid it back for Baturina. The shot was classy and well placed, Pickford got a touch, but could not keep it out. A goal built on patience and execution. 1-1.
England’s response was immediate and, above all, simple. In the 42nd minute, Rice floated a ball into the box, Kane timed his movement perfectly and appeared completely unmarked to head home. Nobody tracked him. And when you give that kind of space to a player like him, you already know how it ends.
It looked like England would go into the break ahead, but Croatia never switched off. In the 45+5th minute, Perišić delivered a perfect ball into the path of Musa, who made the right run and finished calmly. A very well-worked goal, exploiting the space in behind. 2-2.
The second half changed almost immediately. In the 47th minute, England played out of the press well, Anderson produced an excellent pass for Bellingham, who drove forward with space, entered the box and finished into the far corner. A goal from someone who has everything: physicality, technique and decision-making.
From that point on, it was probably England’s best spell of the match. High pressing, intensity, several chances, with Livaković making some good saves, especially to deny Kane. Croatia suffered, but managed to survive that period.
After that, the game settled down. England eased off, Croatia saw more of the ball again, but no longer had the same ability to hurt the opposition. They lacked pace, they lacked freshness.
And just as Croatia were beginning to believe again, England killed the game. In the 86th minute, a quick counter-attack saw Saka release Rashford. Inside the box, he stayed calm, shifted the defender and finished with quality. A goal from someone who knows exactly what he is doing. 4-2.
Post-match
An important win for England, who showed attacking power and plenty of solutions, with Kane standing out throughout. Even so, they left spaces at the back.
Croatia showed quality in specific moments, but struggled to keep up whenever the tempo increased.
