Croatia held to goalless draw by Azerbaijan

03 September 2015 18:31

Croatia endured a frustrating time against their former midfielder Robert Prosinecki as they were held to a 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan in Euro 2016 qualifying Group H.

There were plenty of high-profile names on show in Baku, with the away side's first XI featuring the likes of Real Madrid's Luka Modric, Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic and Juventus' Mario Mandzukic.

But they were unable to shine despite having plenty of possession against Azerbaijan on what was a memorable occasion for home boss Prosinecki.

Much of the time Croatia, who won the reverse fixture 6-0, were left to rue their own poor finishing - the case as early as the second minute, when Mandzukic dragged a shot across goal and wide when he really should have scored.

Ivan Perisic subsequently drilled off-target and then had a shot turned around the near post by Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Agayev, before Rakitic sent a free-kick high over the bar.

The hosts had a chance of their own three minutes after the restart when Dimitrij Nazarov's strike was parried by Danijel Subasic.

Moments later, Perisic saw a cross-shot rebound off the Azerbaijan bar, and Mandzukic then disappointed with weak efforts with his head and right foot.

The clearest chance yet arrived in the 68th minute but was sent wide of Agayev's post by Mateo Kovacic.

Mandzukic was presented with another opportunity five minutes from time, only to guide the ball straight to Agayev.

Source: PA