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Croatia beats Slovenia 2-1 with stoppage-time winner in final World Cup warm-up

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Croatia secured a late 2-1 victory over Slovenia in their final World Cup warm-up match.
  • Captain Luka Modric scored the opening goal, but Slovenia equalized late in the game.
  • Substitute Mario Pasalic scored a stoppage-time winner, sending Croatia into the World Cup on a high note.

Croatia concluded their World Cup preparations with a dramatic 2-1 victory over neighbors Slovenia, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mario Pasalic. The match in Varazdin served as the final friendly before Croatia departs for the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Captain Luka Modric, potentially playing his last home international, gave Croatia an early second-half lead in the 51st minute with a well-placed shot. However, a defensive error from Martin Baturina allowed Slovenia's Andraz Sporar to equalize in the 83rd minute, creating late tension.

Just minutes into stoppage time, Pasalic volleyed home the decisive goal after Slovenia failed to clear a bouncing ball in their penalty area. The win provides a much-needed boost for Croatia, who had lost their previous warm-up match 2-0 against Belgium. They will open their World Cup campaign against England on June 17.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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