Ivan Rakatic was the star performer for his Croatian side as they dominated the Czech Republic only to blow the game late on. 

Rakatic proved instrumental to the Croatian’s ascendancy as he helped transition defence to attack, while he also popped up with the team’s second goal.

Croatia were totally dominant in the game. According to SASoccermag’s Opta-powered match centre, the Czechs managed to fire off just two shots in the first half, both of which were blocked, while Croatia managed 10.

Croatia also controlled 61 percent of the possession and won 65 percent of their duels in the first period, while the former figure stood at 55 percent by the end of the game, with the latter unchanging.

Rakatic’s influence was clear to see as he managed 62 touches from his 89 minutes on the pitch. The midfielder was a constant menace as he helped set up numerous attacks, while he also tried five shots of his own.

Rakatic’s goal came as the Czechs lost the ball deep in their own half. The ball was prodded through to the Barcelona star and he made no mistake with his chipped finish.

The Czechs hit back with an equaliser to make things interesting after 76 minutes, before they were gifted a late penalty to secure an unlikely draw.

Photo: Reuters