The first half of the big 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L clash between England and Croatia ended 2-2 in a goal duel. At the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, in a game billed as a rematch of the 2018 semifinal, two-goal Harry Kane stood out.
England opened the scoring in the 12th minute: Harry Kane converted a penalty to put his side 1-0 up. But Croatia levelled in the 36th, when Martin Baturina made it 1-1 from a Petar Sučić assist. England were quick to retake the lead: in the 42nd minute, Kane scored his second from a Declan Rice assist to make it 2-1.
But Croatia equalised again in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+5th minute, Petar Musa finished off an Ivan Perišić cross to make it 2-2, sending the teams in level.
The statistics showed England more effective in attack: Thomas Tuchel's side finished ahead on expected goals (xG) 1.36 to 0.43 and had nine shots. Croatia edged possession with 52% but made the most of their chances.
In the second half of a match refereed by France's Clément Turpin, both teams are expected to push for the advantage over the final 45 minutes. Kane's form and Croatia's experience are among the biggest talking points for the rest of the game.
Image: ndtv.com
Tuna Başkan
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