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Luka Modric’s coronation as Croatia’s all time record appearance maker was upstaged on Wednesday as Slovenia recorded their first ever win over their neighbors.
Real Madrid’s number 10 was making his 134th appearance for his country, drawing him level with Darijo Srna in the record books. Unfortunately for the visitor’s captain, any early attempt to mark the occasion was spoiled by a stubborn Slovenian defense. The home side went one further in the 15th minute by scoring the opener, Kristijan Lovrić’s effort deflecting past Croatian goalkeeper, Livakovic.
Luka Modric has tonight made his 134th Croatia appearance and become their joint-most capped player of all time pic.twitter.com/8uNUIlR3TH
— Goal (@goal) March 24, 2021
From this point on, Croatia played slow and deliberate football with absolutely no end product and the game, in truth, was a little difficult to watch. Things spiced up when Perisic was moved out wide and began getting the better of his marker. Despite Modric’s persistent efforts to find Perisic, Croatia still failed to make anything clear cut and were more than fortunate that Slovenia hadn’t sealed the game heading into additional time. Some last ditch efforts were made during the 3 minutes added on by the referee, however, Croatia last gasp effort ended up well wide of Jan Oblak’s goal and Solvenia celebrated a historic victory upon the referee’s whistle. Luka Modric played the full 90 minutes and, despite the special occasion, its a game he will be keen to forget. One can say for certain that anyone who watched the match won’t have much trouble on that front.
Moving on to more exciting affairs, Gareth Bale managed to record an assist in Wales’s 3-1 loss to Belgium. Bale’s quick pass into Harry Wilson helped the Welsh take the lead.
WOW, what a start for Wales!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 24, 2021
It's a brilliant goal from the visitors. They produce some scintillating one touch football as Bale plays a delicate pass through for Wilson.
Follow #BEL vs #WAL in the #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers here: https://t.co/5rAQTj6WDL pic.twitter.com/oWibiqeluX
A five minute salvo from Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard gave Belgium just before the half hour mark, an advantage they kept into the second half. Romelu Lukaku added a 73rd minute penalty to double the host’s advantage and ensure a 13th consecutive win at home. Bale played 84 minutes before Ryan Giggs decided to take the on loan winger off.