Soccer - Croatia beat Tunisia on penalties after 0-0 friendly draw


CAIRO (Reuters) - World Cup semi-finalists Croatia needed a penalty shootout to beat Tunisia following a 0-0 draw in a friendly on Saturday.

Keeper Ivica Ivusic, who replaced Dominik Livakovic in the second half, came to Croatia's rescue with three penalty saves as his side prevailed 5-4 after the game went to a shootout.

Seifeddine Jaziri had a chance to win it for Tunisia in sudden death but Ivusic blocked his tame effort. The Cypriot-based keeper saved the decisive penalty from Oussama Haddadi.

Croatia will face Egypt in the final of the four-team tournament on Tuesday after the hosts defeated New Zealand 1-0 on Friday. The tournament is part of FIFA's new series of friendly games introduced to allow teams from different confederations to play each other.

Tunisia's defence restricted a star-studded Croatia side featuring the likes of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic to few chances.

Although Croatia had territorial dominance, it was Tunisia who created the game's best chances on the break in an otherwise drab affair.

Hamza Jelassi had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside and Ali Abdi fired over the crossbar from a good position in the first half.

The best opportunity fell to Tunisia substitute Sayfallah Ltaief, who headed over the bar with the goal at his mercy in the 77th minute.

(Reporting by Hatem Maher, editing by Ed Osmond)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Vissel Kobe appoint Skibbe to replace J-League winner Yoshida
Soccer-Arsenal must improve defensively despite win over Wolves, says Arteta
Soccer-Estudiantes beat Racing on penalties to claim Argentine Clausura title
Soccer-Arsenal get lucky break to go five points clear, Salah returns for Liverpool
Soccer-Fulham win at Burnley for first time in 35 attempts
Soccer-PSG move top with nervy 3-2 win at bottom club Metz
Soccer-Terrier's backheel magic helps Leverkusen to 2-0 win over Cologne
Soccer-Senegal confident injured trio will be ready for Cup of Nations
Soccer-Raphinha double helps Barcelona overcome resilient Osasuna
Soccer-Palmer's cool finish warms the hearts of Chelsea fans

Others Also Read