Perisic strike cancels out Schick penalty as Croatia and Czech Republic draw 1-1
A fantastic strike from Ivan Perisic cancelled out an earlier Patrik Schick penalty as Croatia and the Czech Republic drew 1-1 at Euro 2020.
The Czech Republic started much the brighter side, with West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal heavily involved on the right flank.
They were, however, almost stung when a blocked clearance from goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik almost went in, but were eventually rewarded for their pressure when Schick won a penalty in the 37th minute.
The awarding of the penalty was a controversial one, with Dejan Lovren judged to have fouled Schick when challenging for a header only after a lengthy VAR check. Schick emerged from the clash bleeding from his nose but kept his composure to convert the spot-kick.
Croatia badly needed to up their game in the second half, and a moment of magic from Perisic was their most exciting passage of play from the tournament thus far. The Inter Milan winger collected the ball on the left flank and carried it into the box, before beating his man and firing a shot into the far corner.
Both sides then appeared to settle for a point, with neither wishing to risk losing the match. Croatia did have an 88th-minute chance to snatch a winner, but substitute Bruno Petkovic’s shot was well-blocked to prevent a certain goal.
