And not only did Iran made a draw with Croatia, but they almost won the game, was it not for a penalty awarded for Croatia in stoppage time.

Iran took the lead after 21 minutes when a shot from Mohammad Nosrati was not cleared and the ball fell to Ali Karimi who drove it into the net.

Croatia drew level ten minutes later when Jurica Vranjes’s cross was knocked back by Hajduk Split’s Niko Kranjcar and Dado Prso shot past Mirzapour.

The match became disjointed after the break with both sides making several replacements.

One of Croatia’s substitutes, defender Mario Tokic, gifted Iran a second goal after 82 minutes when his poor return ball landed at the feet of Arash Borhani who accepted the chance.

It looked like Croatia were heading for their first defeat under coach Zlatko Kranjcar until, six minutes into stoppage time, they were handed a lifeline.

As we were saying several days ago, Iran has some Bundesliga players that could really make a difference. More, they say that this is the best team in the history of their country. Will this be the year that they make a mark?

Croatia play two more friendlies, against Poland and Spain, before kicking off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Brazil in Berlin on 13 June. They also face Japan and Australia in Group F.

Source: WCoffsite