Croatia beats Colombia in international friendly

Croatia secured a 2-1 victory over Colombia in the first of two World Cup warm-up friendlies at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday night.

It marked the first-ever meeting between Croatia and the South American runners-up, in a match that swung sharply in momentum.

Colombia made a lightning start, taking the lead in just the second minute through Jhon Arias. Croatia responded almost immediately, drawing level four minutes later when 19-year-old Tottenham prospect Luka Vušković found the net. The turnaround was completed just before halftime, as Freiburg forward Igor Matanović, 22, finished in the 43rd minute to give Croatia a 2-1 lead.

There were no further goals after the break, but Croatia stayed on the front foot and continued to press. FC Dallas striker Petar Musa came close to adding a third, striking the woodwork twice.

"I think we did a good job. We knew Colombia are a very strong side, but to come back after conceding so early shows our character. It's always tough to start like that, but we reacted well. Congratulations to the team on the win," Matanović said after the match.

Marco Pašalić, the 25-year-old Orlando City midfielder, also reflected on the result, calling it "a great feeling" to play in familiar surroundings.

"It's special to host the national team here in Orlando. The conditions were excellent, and overall it was a good win against a quality opponent. We can be happy with our performance," he said.

Head coach Zlatko Dalić praised his side's resilience after the early setback.

"I have to congratulate our players on the victory. It's very difficult when you concede so early in a full stadium under pressure, but we showed energy and character to get back into the match," Dalić said.

He added that the result was even more meaningful given the atmosphere, with around 40,000 fans in attendance, most supporting Colombia.

"We stayed persistent, created plenty of chances, and I'm satisfied," he said, while acknowledging Croatia had moments of fortune but also defended well to contain Colombia's attacking threat. He also highlighted the opposition's quality, pace, and dangerous transitions.

Croatia return to action next Tuesday night - early Wednesday at 2:00 a.m. Central European Time - at the same venue, where they will face Brazil, who lost 2-1 to France in Boston earlier on Thursday.

Ahead of the World Cup, Croatia will play two more friendlies at home: Belgium in Rijeka on June 2 and Slovenia in Varaždin on June 7.

Croatia open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Dallas against England. They then face Panama on June 23 in Toronto, before concluding the group stage against Ghana on June 27 in Philadelphia.