Croatia kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive by striking back a goal to win a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.
The first half gave the first VAR controversy in Euro 2020 when the official intervened to award the Czech Republic a harsh punishment after an unintentional elbow from Dejan Lovren on Patrik Schick, who followed his world champion against Scotland with a composed finish from 12 yards here.
After an industrious effort down the middle, Ivan Perisic could have closed the game off after 47 minutes, but his finishing shot hit the post.
But the Croatians could not force a winner and may have to take a result against Scotland depending on how they proceed in their second group game against England.
Lovren was upset about the penalty decision / Petr Josek – Pool / Getty Images
Dominik Livakovic (GK) – 5/10 – Went the wrong way for the penalty but would not have saved it anyway.
Sime Vrsaljko (RB) – 7/10 – Bombed forward at every opportunity and usually insert a dangerous cross or passport. Did well to recover after a few handbags with Jankto.
Dejan Lovren (CB) – 5/10 – Can anyone explain why Lovren has a free kick? Very unfortunate to give away the penalty but it summed up a ruthless performance from the defender.
Domagoj Vida (CB) – 6/10 – Tossed himself above all that came his way but did not always choose the right moments. A little chaotic, as you would expect.
Josko Gvardiol (LB) – 7/10 – Have struggled as a defender in the past but really excellent here. Caused chaos on the left side and connected very well to his midfielders.
Modric was not the best / Stu Forster / Getty Images
Luka Modric (DM) – 6/10 – Felt like he was too deep here. Made some decent short passes, but Croatia really needed his creativity later on. Still to get him 2018 form for this tournament.
Mateo Kovacic (DM) – 5/10 – Just not defensive enough to be in a pivot with Modric. They are basically the same players, and none of them are a good defender. That left Croatia’s defense so vulnerable.
Ivan Perisic (RM) – 7/10 – Did not really like on the right side in the first half. Changed left at the break and got a world champion after just two minutes. Surprise surprise.
Andrej Kramaric (AM) – 5/10 – Not creative enough to be in this role for Croatia. Asked to link the two lines but did not have the vision to find the right passport.
Josip Brekalo (LM) – 5/10 – A calm first half from Brekalo, who was mostly starved by the service. Hooked at half time.
Rebic had a shocker / ROBERT PERRY / Getty Images
Ante Rebic (ST) – 3/10 – Rebic is just not good at the international level. Fluffed an excellent chance to equalize immediately after Schick’s penalty and was surprisingly removed at the break.
Petkovic made an immediate impact / PAUL ELLIS / Getty Images
Luka Ivanusec – 7/10
Bruno Petkovic – 7/10
Nikola Vlasic – 6/10
Marcelo Brozovic – N / A
Coufal fought with Perisic / Andy Buchanan – Pool / Getty Images
Tomas Vaclik (GK) – 5/10 – Probably should have done better for Pericic’s goal, but had little to do besides that.
Vladimir Coufal (RB) – 5/10 – Gave Perisic way too much space for his goal and topped it all by sliding over. Did not like handling the wing after the break.
Ondrej Celustka (CB) – 5/10 – Celebrated his birthday with a sub-performance. Did not cover himself in honor of the equalizer.
Tomas Kalas (CB) – 5/10 – Looked a bit shaky at times when Croatia put on the style in the second half. Found Petkovic’s physicality a little too much.
Jan Boril (LB) – 6/10 – Bombed up and down to the left throughout the game and was regularly in dangerous positions. Did not always do much with the ball but asked enough questions.
Soucek ran the show in midfield / Andy Buchanan – Pool / Getty Images
Tomas Soucek (DM) – 7/10 – Predictably excellent. Sprayed passes around the entire field and dominated defensively, chasing Modric and Kovacic throughout the match.
Tomas Holes (DM) – 6/10 – Had a solid first half but did not get the chance to build on it because he was withdrawn shortly after the break. Deserves an even worse rating for being number 9 as a DM.
Lukas Masopust (RM) – 5/10 – Careless. Continued to lose possession and fail to control routine workouts. Not surprisingly taken off at the hour mark.
Vladimir Darida (AM) – 5/10 – Did a very average job of pairing games. Looked a little lazy at times and got caught in the heel once or twice, but did nothing too offensive.
Jakub Jankto (LM) – 6/10 – Made plenty of decent passes but seemed to be on a different wavelength than his teammates. Did not get the reward he deserved.
Schick took his penalty well / Lee Smith – Pool / Getty Images
Patrik Schick (ST) – 8/10 – A little lucky to win the penalty, but hit it home with real precision and looked cool as hell celebrated with blood dripping down his face.
Adam Hlozek – 6/10
Alex Kral – 5/10
Petr Sevcik – 5/10
Michael Krmencik – 5/10
Antonin Barak – Not applicable
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