Croatia Edge Past Colombia 2-1 in Thrilling Friendly

Late drama sees Croatia edge past Colombia

Croatia extends unbeaten run to nine games, beating Colombia 2-1 in Orlando friendly as both teams prep for World Cup.

Croatia 2-1 Colombia, World Cup warm-up win...

Croatia edged past Colombia 2-1 in their first-ever meeting, extending their unbeaten run to nine games in Orlando, Florida.

The game kicked off in style with Colombia scoring in just the third minute through Jhon Arias, who finished past Dominik Livakovic after a great team move. 

Colombia's early lead didn't last long, as Croatia leveled just three minutes later through Luka Vuskovic's long-range shot that nestled in the net.

The game slowed down after that explosive start, but things heated up again around the half-hour mark when Luis Diaz set up a great chance for Luis Suarez - who shockingly missed an open net.

Croatia took advantage of the let-off and took the lead just before halftime. 

Congrats! #Croatia celebrates a 2:1 comeback victory over @FCFSeleccionCol in Orlando! 🇭🇷🙌 #CROCOL #HrabarBroj | #PokažiSrce | #Family | #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/0DM1zu11S7

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) March 27, 2026

Marco Pasalic, playing in his home stadium, created the chance that led to Croatia's winner - his corner was misjudged by Camilo Vargas, allowing Igor Matanovic to nod home at the back post.

The second half was slow to start, but Petar Musa made up for it with a thunderous strike that hit the crossbar on the hour mark.

Musa was unlucky again five minutes later, hitting the post with a beautiful volley - twice he was denied by the woodwork.

At the other end, Jhon Cordoba had a couple of chances of his own as he swiped wide from a narrow angle before he had a header from a corner held by Livakovic. Ultimately, though, it was Croatia who held on for a morale-boosting win as these two sides amp up their preparations for this summer’s World Cup which is now less than three months away.