Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti have given their verdict on Celtic star Josip Juranovic after he lasted the entire 120 minutes for his country as they beat Japan on penalties on Monday afternoon – earning rating of just 6/10.
Juranovic, 27, has played every single minute for Croatia at the World Cup so far. Draws against Belgium and Morocco and a 4-1 win over Canada was enough to see Croatia climb into the knockout stages – where they faced Japan.
Expected to win, Croatia went behind. Juranovic’s Celtic teammate Daizen Maeda opening the scoring in the first half. However, Croatia equalised and Juranovic was involved. Laying the ball back to Dejan Lovren, a cross was centred.
Tottenham veteran Ivan Perisic headed a superb effort into the bottom corner. With the scoreline remaining 1-1 after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties and Croatia emerged victorious. Sportske Novosti discussed Juranovic.
“One of those players who is not glamorous, but he did a fair job of his very hard work. In the first part, he was repeatedly attacked by the excess of opponents. In the rest he was firm and more active offensively,” SN report.
Sportske Novosti give verdict on Celtic star Juranovic after Japan win
It was not Croatia’s best performance and there are doubts that they are capable of reaching the quality that got them to the final in 2018. Players are older, past their peak. Six of the 11 that started against Japan were all above 30.
Their biggest test comes on Friday. Having done well to reach the last eight, they now face Croatia. Many will believe they have a chance purely given the quality of Luka Modric. But, Brazil are favourites and should go through.
But Juranovic will be having the time of his life. Celtic have signed Alastair Johnston. With Juranovic being linked with a move down south, he could be using the World Cup in Qatar as a shop window ahead of the January market.
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