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The final scoreline is deceiving because this was a more hotly contested match than the 3-1 finish. We got lucky in the early goings with Kieron Johnson attempting and netting an ambitious lob from just outside of the box. We were then on the beneficial end of a bit of scrappy play that led to a penalty shot that Johnson drilled home for his second goal. Nick Bartley then had his work cut out for him as Croatia mounted a steady attack. In fact, this was the first time in quite a while that we lost the possession battle over the course of a game. Croatia pulled one back in the 81st minute to set up what looked to be a nerve-wracking push to the end. Jon Steel put the game out of reach one minute later, however, when James Jones set him free with a brilliant through ball.
For those that have been keeping tabs with this story, our date in the finals with Mexico doesn't come as much of a surprise. They are the 11th ranked country in the world and I always see Mexico well represented when I'm looking for transfer targets. They will undoubtedly have the backing of the crowd as they are the host country, so we will have it all to do when we hit the pitch against them.