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FIRST HALF
Both sides made big lineup changes, trying to adjust for their own mistakes and the opponent's nuances. Croatia came up with a much more agressive starting eleven compared to the team that played against Brazil. The team switched from a 4-3-3 defensive to an attacking and ultra-creative 4-2-3-1, featuring the return of their best scorer, Mario Mandzukic, who didn't play in the first match due to a suspension. Cameroon, on the other hand, decided to play more conservatively after the defensive struggles against Mexico, choosing to play in a defensive-minded 4-1-4-1, that had Samuel Eto'o as the only forward, and a four-man line behind him that was more designed to mark than create.
The Indomitable Lions started better in the first ten minutes, but didn't create anything special. Croatia was more incisive in their offensive trips, and didn't need a lot of time to do damage in quick wing plays. In the 15th minute, Ivica Olic scored the first goal of the match, after a beautiful through ball by Perisic. After the score, Croatia gained control of the match, and limited Cameroon's chances.
Then, Lord Song happened. For absolutely NO. REASON., he decided to punch Mario Mandzukic in the back, just like, you know, Lord Song would do. The referee saw that and sent him off immediately, and Cameroon had 10 men on the field for the rest of the game. Way to go, Lord!
SECOND HALF
The Croats came back knowing they had the advantage, both on the score and on the pitch. Cameroon quickly ran out of gas, and then it was an behind-whooping for the rest of the game. After assisting in the first goal, Perisic scored his own, running over an opposite defender and putting the ball in the back of the net with a nice left-footer. Two-nothing.
The third goal happened a little bit later, as Mandzukic had all the freedom in the world to strike at a corner kick. Perfect header, and his first goal in the World Cup. He would complete the brace thirteen minutes later, as he scored after a Cameroon's goalie save came right to him. It was too easy.
IVAN RAKITIC
The newest Barcelona signing played a decent match, as his defensive duties were not too heavy, due to the fact that Cameroon's attacking was very weak. Rakitic helped fellow central mid Modric to run the show in the middle, organize the offense and keep moving the Brazuca around.
In the end, a 4-0 destruction, that knocked off any chances of advancing past the group stage for the Lions, as they'll play their final 2014 World Cup match against the hosts, Brazil. Without Lord Song. Good for you, Neymar. You're safe.
Croatia is alive after the win, and will decide with Mexico who will be at second place in Group A, assuming Brazil beats Cameroon. If that happens, Mexico needs a draw to advance, while only the win matters for Croatia.
