Vidovic propels Croatia to victory

By Paul Saffer at Stadio Comunale Gabriele di Lupo

The half-time introduction of Damir Vidovic proved a masterstroke for Croatia as the substitute scored two and made another to give his side victory in a game Israel led twice.

Thrilling turnaround
This result ends Israel's campaign, while Croatia move level with UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group B leaders Switzerland on points. Croatia trailed when Vidovic arrived but he swiftly equalised. And after Israel restored their lead he created the second leveller with a cross turned in by Ahser Tobi, before Vidovic and Grgur Radoš clinched victory.

Duo return
As promised by coach Ivan Gudelj, defender Tomislav Kristic and midfielder Davor Spehar returned from suspension for Croatia, held 2-2 by a late Netherlands comeback on Tuesday. Israel coach Avraham Bahar made five changes from the team that lost 3-0 to the Swiss, including the selection of Robi Levkovich in goal.

Determined Israel
Israel, aware that defeat would end their campaign, started the game in determined fashion and for much of the first half took the match to Croatia. Amid the pressure striker Nikola Kalinic was forced to come back to make a vital saving tackle on Maor Bar Buzaglo, who also had a 30th-minute shot tipped away by goalkeeper Ivan Kelava.

Kayal strikes
However, on half-time Oded Eklayam's fine run and cross found Buzaglo whose effort looped on to the bar, and Baram Kayal's follow-up was over the line before Kelava could claw the ball back.

Dramatic twists
Gudelj introduced Damir Vidovic for Matija Spicic, and the substitution bore fruit immediately as Milan Badelj's cross was turned in by the striker. Just five minutes after the equaliser, though, Israel were back ahead. Avraham Rikan sent Buzaglo clear and the forward finished with aplomb.

Own goal
Again Croatia had to come from behind, and a strong Stipe Bacelic-Grgic shot forced Levkovich to dive and save. Then Vidovic's cross was turned into his own net by the luckless Tobi on 67 minutes.

Vidovic again
Barely had the celebrations ended when Mislav Radoš played Vidovic through, and the calm substitute slipped the ball past Levkovich. Another replacement, Mislav's twin Grgur, made sure of victory in the 75th minute. On Sunday Croatia require just a draw against Switzerland, currently ahead on goal difference, to be absolutely sure of progress, while Israel play for pride against the Netherlands.