Spectacle under Thomas Tuchel? That was quite a surprise for England at the start of the World Cup against Croatia – but the outcome was as usual. The ninth competitive game under the German coach was also a success, Harry Kane (12th/42nd minute), Jude Bellingham (47th) and Marcus Rashford (85th) made the decision in the 4:2 (2:2) win.
The “Three Lions” had won all eight qualifying games without conceding a goal – and there was repeated criticism from England because the style of play under Tuchel did not have the entertainment value that is expected of his star ensemble. At the start of the World Cup tournament there was a huge entertainment factor, but also a lot of trepidation before it was clear that the winning streak in competitive games would continue.
“It was a tough game, especially in the first half. But the reaction was brilliant. We were a bit wobbly, but the second half was great, we had so many chances and we kept going.”said Tuchel. “We were too passive after the first two goals, that wasn’t our character, we pulled back. But it’s always about the reaction and it was great.”
Kane really dulls the penalty
Things had started so well for the English. After a corner, Luka Modric made a serious mistake; in an attempt to clear the ball, he overlooked Noni Madueke and kicked the Arsenal winger in the foot, resulting in a penalty. Of course Kane stepped up, of course he scored to make it 1-0 (12th) – but the story was a little more complex. In the first attempt, Dominik Livakovic parried, but he was an inch from the goal line, so the penalty was repeated. This time Kane cheered.
Given the English bulwark, that seemed to be half the battle and the co-favorite for the title actually defended the Croatian attacks confidently. But then Martin Baturina managed an outstanding direct shot from near the corner of the penalty area, Jordan Pickford flew but didn’t catch the hard-hit ball sufficiently – 1-1 (36th). The first goal conceded for Tuchel in his ninth competitive game.
Musa with one of the most beautiful goals of the World Cup
But England is not only a force in set pieces at league level, but also at national team level. After another corner from Declan Rice, thanks to a block from John Stones, Kane was free to head the ball and put his team back in the lead (42′). But England also let that go before the break. And in a spectacular way.
Croatia was allowed to let the ball run unchallenged, but did not penetrate the dangerous zone – then a high ball flew behind the English back four, Ivan Perisic outstandingly headed back to Petar Musa, who volleyed in to equalize again (45th + 5th). The World Cup has already had some dream goals from long-range shots like Baturina’s, now they also had one after a great combination.
Croatia invites Bellingham to score 3-2
After that there was an immediate break, but then the spectacle continued straight away. After a long ball from Kane, Bellingham ran unopposed from the right into the penalty area and pushed the ball into the far corner, giving the English team their third lead (47′). It was a goal that should never have been scored because Bellingham could have been defended long ago and Livakovic would have had to save the ball from the corner.
Shortly afterwards, the Croatian keeper showed his class from close range against Bellingham (48th), but after the following corner he completely misjudged and was lucky that Nico O’Reilly headed past the empty goal (49th). The English fireworks of chances continued after that, but Livakovic flew strong again after a shot from Rice (52nd).
A brief gasp from Croatia, Pickford wide awake
England suddenly played the way they had wanted for years. Croatia was completely overwhelmed by the attacks and standards of the “Three Lions”, there were opportunities every minute – but Livakovic rose above himself. In the 56th minute he first saved from close range against O’Reilly, then saved the following header from Anthony Gordon while lying down. Immediately afterwards, Kane failed twice in one scene against Livakovic (57th). The game could have been decided long ago.
But it remained close and after that Croatia fought for a period of calm and the duel became more balanced again. And Pickford actually had to distinguish himself for the first time in the 76th minute, the goalkeeper was able to parry a shot from Marco Pasalic, and he was also there after a long-range shot from Igor Matanovic (77th). In the final phase, Livakovic prevented the decision against James Spence (82nd).
Kane always demands a second half level
But that happened a little later after another counterattack. Substitute Bukayo Saka served Rashford, who tricked Josip Stanisic into space and sank the ball – unstoppable even for Livakovic – into the far corner (85′). So Tuchel’s England not only offers a victory, but also the longed-for spectacle and goes into the second game on Tuesday (10 p.m. CEST) against Ghana in top form.
“In the second half we gave full throttle throughout, we have to show this level every time”said Kane after the game. Croatia didn’t disappoint at all, but coach Zlatko Dalic’s team is already under pressure against Panama on Wednesday night (1 a.m. CEST).