IT JUST MISSES SORAL! A corner is misjusged by Subasic, allowing it through for Soral, but he just can't connect with his attempt at the far post! What a remarkable turnaround that would have been!
90' +5
There's still been no indication of how much time is to be added on, but the clock stopped during the flare incident so there doesn't figure to be a whole lot left here! Is there to be another sting in the tale?!
90' +4
Croatia use their final change, hoping to run time off the clock and at least come away with a point after this shocking turn of events. Strinic is replaced by Sime Vrsalijko.
90' +3
Š. Vrsaljko enters the game and replaces I. Strinić.
Sensing this may slip away from them entirely, Croatia throw on an extra defender in Gordon Schildenfeld, with Rakitic the one to give way.
90' +2
G. Schildenfeld enters the game and replaces I. Rakitić.
PENALTY TO CROATIA! Oh my what drama! They've switched off as a ball is played into the area over the top, which strikes the hand of Vida and Clattenburg points straight to the spot!
90'
This is a real worry for the Czech Republic! Rosicky pulls up, untouched, clutching his hamstring. It doesn't look good for him in the slightest, and keep in mind the Czechs are out of substitutions.
SALVATION FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC! Necid is the hero for them! Off the bench and into the history books for the Czechs as he smashes the penalty into the ceiling of the net to surely secure a point for his side!
89'
Penalty goal scored by T. Necid for Czechia!
Vida is booked for the foul, but that's the least of their worries as the Czech Republic can pull level here!
88'
D. Vida gets yellow.
Well this isn't what you want to see! The troubling trend of misbehaving fans at this Euro 2016 continues as play is interrupted with the Croatian fans behind Cech's goal throwing an immense amount of flares onto the pitch. This is both dangerous and disturbing for everyone involved, and the Croatian players make their way over to the touchline to urge their supporters to stop.
After close to a five minute delay, it looks like play will resume again. Clattenburg gives a final check to his watch and Cech restarts the match!
86'
T. Necid enters the game and replaces J. Plašil.
Tomas Necid, who has scored more goals as a substitute (7) than as a starter (4) for the national team, is on for the final minutes in place of Plasil.
Minute
Description
84'
The Czech Republic supporters are urging their side forward, but they're growing increasingly frustrated as Croatia manage to keep the ball in attack. Perisic finds space on the left and plays a low cross in for Brozovic at the near post, but an important tackle from Sivok sees it behind for a corner - which they will be in no rush to take.
82'
STAT: Croatia have won five of their last eight group games in the European Championships (D2, L1), while the Czech Republic have lost six of their last nine Euro games (W3).
80'
DEFLECTED BEHIND! Sumptuous build-up play from Croatia as the ball is worked around before being placed on the feet of Brozovic inside the area. The Inter midfielder is being tugged, but stays on his feet before turning an firing at goal - but it takes a touch off a defeder before drifting agonisingly wide!
78'
A bit of urgency shown now by Croatia as they sense their lead may be in a bit of danger after it was cut in half out of nothing. Srna urges his troops to keep fighting, and it evokes a roar of applause from both sets of supporters. We're in for a grandstand finish in Saint-Etienne!
76'
Rosicky provides a touch of class when his side needed it most, as the skipper grabs an assist.
HOPE AFTER ALL FOR THE CZECHS! It's an absolutely brilliant goal from all aspects! Rosicky curls a terrific ball in with the outside of his boot and Skoda rises above his marker to place a stunning header back against the grain and in at the far post, with Subasic grasping at straws!
75'
M. Škoda has scored a goal for Czechia! Assist by T. Rosický.
74'
M. Brozović gets yellow.
Brozovic picks up a caution, the second for a Croatia player after Badelj was booked early on. It's all becoming a bit untidy now as we approach the final 15 minutes.
72'
T. Sivok gets yellow.
DEJA VU! Mandzukic is caught again by Sivok with an arm to the head, and the centre-half, who was riding his luck up to this point, is finally put into the referee's book.
71'
Frustration is starting to set in for the Czech Republic. Sivok catches Mandzukic in the back of the head with an elbow, which somehow goes unpunished, and the Juventus striker is in need of some repairs. You know he would just love a goal to open up his account ahead of the date with Spain.
69'
STAT: The Czech Republic have never failed to score in two consecutive games at the European Championships.
67'
J. Šural enters the game and replaces J. Skalák.
M. Škoda enters the game and replaces D. Lafata.
The other sees Slavia Prague striker Milan Skoda replace Lafata.
Sparta Prague's Josef Sural is on to replace Skalak in the first of a double switch from the Czech Republic.
66'
BUNDLED OVER! A hopeful throughball intended for Perisic is cutout by Kadarabek, but the full-back inexplicably plays his clearance straight to Mandzukic! The striker has all sorts of time, with a clear sight of goal, but rushes his finish and lifts it over the target! He has to be scoring from there!
64'
Safe goalkeeping! Croatia in again as the Czech Republic start to lose their focus at the back. Mandzukic has a sight at goal, but unselfishly opts to try and play a ball across for Brozovic, though Cech reads it the whole way as he leaps off his line to collect.
62'
M. Kovačić enters the game and replaces L. Modrić.
It's Modric's Real Madrid team-mate Mateo Kovacic who replaces him.
61'
Croatian players huddle in midfield around Modric as their engine pulls up with an injury. He has a smile on his face so hopefully for their sake it's nothing too serious, but he'll likely give way here as a precaution, with his side two-goals ahead.
59'
I. Rakitić has scored a goal for Croatia! Assist by M. Brozović.
Excellent work from Brozovic to steal the ball and play it through quickly for his team-mate.
DELIGHTFUL FINISH AND CROATIA ARE ON THEIR WAY TO THE KNOCKOUT STAGE! It's a dreadful giveaway at the back from Czech Republic, as Brozovic steals possession and plays Rakitic clean through on goal. The Barcelona midfielder chips a delightful finish beyond Cech and Croatia are sailing off to the sunset!
58'
This is the best spell of the match from the Czech Republic, but they have to show a greater willingness to up the tempo. It's all too predictable from them in possession, which has made life unnecessarily easy on the Croatia defence.
56'
Czech Republic continue on the ascendency, but a lack of quality has let them down in the final third. They've been unable to pick out the decisive ball into the area, and with opportunities limited, it puts an added importance on every chance they get to whip in a cross.
54'
The Czechs gather a bit of momentum with their first decent spell in attack. Vida scuffs a clearing header, sending the ball straight into the air, and Krejci does well to send an overhead-volley at goal, but it's a rather comfortable save for Subasic in the end. A bit of confidence is just starting to build in this side now.
52'
STAT: Nikola Kalinic's brace helped Croatia secure a 4-2 win over Czech Republic when these teams last met in 2011.
50'
He stopped his run! Perisic does well to control a pass forward with pace, and he holds it up brilliantly in wait of support. Strinic makes an overlapping run and the goal scorer plays it through for him, but the full-back stopped running as the opportunity goes begging!
48'
A familiar start to proceedings in the second half as Czech Republic fail to mount any sort of pressure during their brief stint in possession. Strinic is bundled over at the touchline as he wins his side a goal-kick, but he's come out worse for wear following the coming together as he requires a bit of attention from the training staff.
46'
Back underway in Saint-Etienne!
45' +1
HALF-TIME: CZECH REPUBLIC 0-1 CROATIA.
45'
There will be just one minute added on at the end of this first half.
44'
What a letdown that is! Lafata smacks his free-kick straight into the wall, and then sees his follow-up blocked as well! Czech Republic are in real danger now of ending this first half without an attempt on target.
43'
Badelj has to be careful! The midfielder, already on a yellow, is walking a tight line as he concedes another free-kick with a late challenge into the back of Lafata. More importantly for the Czech Republic is this ensuing free-kick from about 25 yards. They have to make something of it.
41'
INCHES WIDE! Exquisite pick-out by Rakitic from a free-kick who places the ball with pace into the danger area. Both Croatian centre-halves attack it, but they almost seem to get in each other's way as the final attempt from Vida is knocked beyond the far post!
39'
STAT: Croatia have now only failed to score once in their last 11 games in the European Championships (including today), against Spain in 2012. They've also never conceded more than one goal in their last eight games in the competition, entering this match.
37'
I. Perišić has scored a goal for Croatia! Assist by M. Badelj.
CROATIA HAVE THEIR BREAKTHROUGH! Bedelj wins possession at the halfway line and quickly springs Perisic forward. The winger finds himself one-v-one with Sivok in the area, and produces a quick step-over before placing a brilliant left-footed strike beyond Cech and in at the far post! It's as deserved a lead as it gets.
Some wonderfully direct play from Badelj to get the ball forward straight after winning it sees him pick up the assist.
36'
SPLENDID SAVE! Croatia have this wonderful ability to break dangerously after lulling their opponent to sleep! Perisic is sprung into space on the right and he uses the run of Mandzukic as a decoy, before cutting onto his left and forcing Cech into a terrific save with his leg!
34'
Pavel Vrba is pulling his hair out on the touchline and you can hardly blame him. There's absolutely nothing happening for his side when they do manage one of their rare forays forward, as they struggle to string more than a few passes together. Stray touches and wasteful passes have been the story of their attack through this first half.
32'
GOOD READING FROM CECH! Delicious one-touch passing from Croatia! Pressure stays on following a Mandzukic shot which was blocked, with Modric and Rakitic working a delightful one-two atop the area, before the former plays Perisic through. It's an inviting ball for the Inter forward, but Cech is off his line in a hurry to collect!
30'
The Czechs are still searching for their first attempt at goal, while Croatia have upped their total to eight - three on target. This game is unfolding awfully similar to that for the Czech Republic against Spain, and we know how that one ended. When you spend this much time defending, with no respite whatsoever, it's only a matter of time before the goals follow...
28'
Croatia are absolutely dominating on the flanks, with their full-backs so keen to get forward on the overlap. They boast plenty of attacking quality, and seem to have developed an excellent understanding with the likes of Brozovic and Perisic. Another flurry of pressure sees them win three more corners, but Cech comes to the forefront as Czech Republic narrowly escape.
26'
STAT: Czech Republic have played Croatia twice before and are yet to claim victory against them (D1, L1).
24'
This is getting rather ominous for Czech Republic. They're affording Croatia far too much space out wide. Give Srna this many opportunities to whip in a cross and eventually the technically gifted full-back will make you pay. They have to do a better job closing their gaps and getting after the ball in defence.
22'
INCHES AWAY! Swift, decisive stuff from Croatia on the break, as they transition from back to front in the blink of an eye! Mandzukic is sprung into space down the left, and he provides an enticing ball in across the face of goal. Perisic busts a gut to try and get onto it, but the necessary touch just eludes his slide as the chance goes begging!
20'
Concentrated pressure yet again from Croatia has the Czechs on their heels. Srna provides a pair of excellent deliveries in from the left, but they aren't attacked accordingly. Strinic tries his luck this time, and his cross is judged poorly by Cech, allowing Mandzukic to meet it at the far post, but the keeper gets lucky as the header ricochets kindly off him and away from danger.
18'
For the second time in this match, referee Mark Clattenburg is called to attention for an issue with the ball. It's gone flat again, but after grabbing a new one, Croatia restart play quickly as they burst forward in numbers - but a terrific interception from Sivok snuffs out the attack.
16'
After a rather lively start to proceedings, the tempo has fizzled out a bit. Czech Republic are struggling to string their passes together in the attacking half as it's all a bit static from them in possession. Croatia remain persistent on the ball, but they're seeing less of it at the moment as a result of some very senseless fouls.
14'
M. Badelj gets yellow.
Badelj gets his arm up on Darida as the pair challenged for a ball in the air, which sees the Croatian midfielder issued the first yellow card of the afternoon.
13'
The Czechs have done well over the last couple of minutes to just take a bit of the sting out of the match, alleviating the pressure on their defence. A naive tackle from Brozovic concedes a free-kick, just as Croatia's high pressing had their opponents under a bit of pressure at the back.
11'
Croatia are so assured in possession, and their interplay in midfield is second to none. With so many capable ball handlers in the centre of the park, they're really able to assert themselves in any given match, and Czech Republic are feeling the brunt of that here.
9'
STAT: Croatia struck the woodwork three times against Turkey, only the fourth time this had happened in a Euro game since 1980.
7'
The Czech Republic defence is looking rather vulnerable in defending set-pieces in the early going. They continue to live dangerously as a free-kick is whipped in from the right, inexplicably being allowed to drop in the danger area, but no one can get the decisive touch! Croatia keep asking questions with some clever interplay, but a tame strike from Badelj brings the latest attack to a disappointing end.
5'
It has been a positive start from Croatia in every sense of the word, but the Czechs fight back with some determined running in the attacking half, putting the Croatia defence under a bit of pressure. Rosicky leads by example as he chases down a loose ball, winning his side the first free-kick of the match out on the left flank.
3'
An awkward one for Cech! Modric's delivery from a corner is flicked high into the air towards Mandzukic, who sends a cleverly looping header at goal. It's threatening to sail in under the bar, prompting an alert Cech to knock it behind! Pressure stays on following the ensuing delivery, but the striker is taken by surprise after Hubnik misses a header, accidently bundling the ball over the line for a goal-kick.
1'
AND WE'RE OFF! Czech Republic in their white kits get us underway, attacking right to left, with Croatia in all blue.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage from the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard – or the Cauldron – in Saint-Etienne as Czech Republic look to avenge their defeat to Spain when they take on a Croatia side hoping to stamp their ticket to the knockout stage!
Czech Republic hearts were left shattered on Monday as a Gerard Pique header at the death robbed them of points in their Group D opener. While they have every reason to feel hard done by, there were plenty of positives for Pavel Vrba to draw upon. That being said, a pat on the back doesn’t get you far in these tournaments, making it absolutely crucial they get at least a point this afternoon in Saint-Etienne.
Croatia were clinical in defeating Turkey in their opening match in Paris and, as a result, they can book their place in the round-of-16 with another three points today. There’s plenty of buzz surrounding Ante Cacic’s side as darkhorse candidates in this Euro, and with good reason. They have never won a knockout stage match in the history of the competition, a dubious record they’re determined to end in 2016.
Pavel Vrba makes a pair of changes to his side following a narrow defeat to Spain in their opening match. Brighton winger Jiri Skalak comes into the team in attack, replacing Theodor Gebre Selassie, normally a full-back, who started to provide more defensive support against the defending champions. Leading the line this afternoon is Sparta Prague's David Lafata, who has nine international goals to his name. Tomas Necid drops to the bench to make room.
Ante Cacic names an unchanged starting XI from their victory over Turkey. Dario Srna arrived in the locker room following their opener to the tragic news that his dad had passed away, but the skipper remains in the team today as per his late father's wishes. It promises to be an emotional match for Shakhtar full-back, who has the full support of his team-mates rallying behind him. Luka Modrid and Milan Badelj continue their partnership in midfield, with the formidable trio of Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic supporting striker Mario Mandzukic who leads the line.
Powerful scenes ahead of kick-off as Srna can't contain his emotion during the playing of the national anthem. His tears speak volumes regarding his commitment to the national team and the pride he has for the country, as he has to turn away from the cameras at its conclusion, only to be consoled by a team-mate.
Croatia lead at the interval through Ivan Perisic, and Czech Republic will be relieved that's all it is. Cacic's side have dominated proceedings throughout the first half, asking all the questions and only growing stronger as the half wore on. They're just 45 minutes away from booking their place in the knockout stage, while the Czechs are staring at a group stage exit if they can't get it right.
A 93rd minute penalty from substitute Tomas Necid completes an unlikely turnaround as Ante Cacic's side are denied the three points in Saint-Etienne! Goals from Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic gave Croatia a comfortable and deserved lead as they were cruising towards the three points until a trio of inspired substitutions from Pavel Vrba sees the Czech Republic produce a remarkable, late comeback to keep their hopes of progressing alive!
It was Milan Skoda who cut the deficit in half for the Czech Republic, and then Croatia seemed to switch off following an interruption in play as a result of their supporters throwing flares onto the pitch, allowing Tomas Necid to equalise from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
That's all for our live coverage from Saint-Etienne, thanks for following along. Goodbye!
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