Andy Gray says Ivan Perisic’s header during Croatia’s penalty shootout win over Japan at the Qatar World Cup was the ‘best header of the tournament’ from the Tottenham player.
The former PFA Player of the Year added that Perisic’s bullet header was ‘like a shot’, as it helped Croatia progress to the last eight of the World Cup.
Japan had taken a first-half lead against the 2018 finalists, but Perisic then levelled the scores, which took the game to extra time, before they won the game on spot-kicks.
After signing on a free after leaving Inter Milan in the summer, Perisic has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers this season.
And now former Sky Sports pundit Gray was left stunned by his recent actions on the World Cup stage, as he told beIN SPORTS (05/12/22 at 9:35 pm).
“That’s the best header of the tournament,” said Gray. “Absolutely stunning. It’s like a shot.
“There is one angle from behind the goal. When he heads it, it’s like somebody is bending it into the far corner. Look at the spin on the ball. Look at that!”
PERISIC V RICHARLISON
It’s Brazil v Croatia for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
On Monday, Richarlison helped knock out his club teammate, Son Heung-min, when South Korea were thrashed 4-1 by the South American giants.
Richarlison added his third goal of the tournament during that game and he will be hoping to cook again against Perisic and his experienced teammates.
On paper, Brazil have too much attacking bite for this no-nonsense and efficient Croatia side that is looking to right the wrongs of their 2018 final defeat.