England Croatia turned on a penalty review in the 9th minute, and Harry Kane finished the retake after Dominik Livakovic saved the first attempt. Luka Modric had fouled Noni Madueke in Croatia’s penalty area, and the sequence put England ahead before Croatia answered later in the half.
Kane Beats Livakovic Twice
The first kick was kept out by Livakovic, but the referee ordered it taken again. Kane made the second one count and gave England the lead in Group L.
The call hinged on movement before the ball was back in play. Livakovic was said to have left his line too early, and Josko Gvardiol was also mentioned as entering the area too early before he headed the ball away after the save.
Modric’s Foul Starts It
England earned the penalty when Modric brought down Madueke inside the box on the 9th minute. Croatia had started the match more actively and pressed high early on, which made the first scoring chance feel like a sharp turn in the game rather than a routine set piece.
The retake was the decisive part of the sequence. A penalty that had already looked wasted became a goal, and the ruling left Croatia chasing the match after a call involving both the goalkeeper and a defender inside the area.
Baturina Pulls Croatia Level
England’s lead did not last through the half. Martin Baturina equalized for Croatia in the 36th minute, bringing the match back to level after the penalty drama had briefly swung it England’s way.
The scoreline now reflects the split in the opening half: England struck first from the spot, Croatia recovered, and the game remained tied after the retaken penalty changed the early balance.
