Croatia’s bit-part star

It’s half-time at the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb and Croatia are halfway to disaster.

Just before the interval, Tomer Hemed gave Israel the lead. And, with only two fixtures left of their Euro 2012 qualifying group after this, it might well be table-tilting. Before the game, Croatia were only three points ahead of Israel. After it, if the score remains the same, Greece are likely to streak ahead in first place.

So, during the break, Slaven Bilic is forced to drastically alter things. His first look is to Eduardo, who comes on for Vedran Corluka. It proves inspired. Within just two minutes, Eduardo’s runs create the eventual opening for Luka Modric to exchange passes with Niko Kranjcar and fire home.