Netherlands v Croatia live: Malen goal puts Oranje in front

In co-comms, Fara Williams notes that they've got good call-carriers, which is an important point. The ability to run with the ball is almost as important as passing.

I said at the start of the second half that I didn't expect them to score but for the fact that they always find a way, and indeed they did. They're well worth their lead, because although they've not created loads, they've created enough and largely controlled the game.

He's a good player so he'll have good games at centre-forward, but I wonder if that'll ever be his best position. Other hand, he can hold it up and bring others into play nicely, which is a big part of what Jurgen Klopp wants from a player in that position.

Bergwijn has made a bit of a difference.

Bergwijn and Wijnaldum on, Malen and Wieffer off.

Well, you deserve any goal you get, but they earned that one.

GOAL! Netherlands 1-2 Croatia (Pasalic) Holland give it away and Croatia counter, keeping the ball alive down the left before Ivanusec pokes a ball into the middle which Pasalic turns past Bijlow with a boot-ankle combo.

Modric curves another disgusting ball with the outside of his foot, picking out Perisic on the other side of the box. But he can only bungle a finish high, so is probably relieved to discover a raised flag following a off-the-ball foul.

Which misses two but winds up at the feet of Gakpo, who makes room for the shot then drills it straight at the keeper. I wonder if he's still smarting from the penalty concession, and, well, it never rains: he's got blood trickloing down his face from an eye-nick, so has to go off for treatment.

Have to rely on Weghorst is a very strange state of affairs.

Malen finding space and sliding in Dumfires outside him. The cross is a decent one, in the corridor, but there's no one on-hand to attack it so Livakovic collects.

Is Simons' last contribution. He's replaced by Weghorst, and I imagine Gakpo will go wide with the big lad through the middle.

And is booked, to his intense displeasure.

Going forward in this half.

Netherlands are bringing on Wout Weghorst.

Who skips away from Koopmeiners down the left. But Holland shuffle across and Croatia make do with a throw.

But England could put out at least two front-threes better than either we're watching tonight.

Netherlands win a free-kick which Gakpo stands up to the far post, and Livakovic dives to gather Ake's knock-back ... which he made while fouling Sutalo.

He presses high, extends a go-go Gadget leg, and the ball sits up nicely for Wieffer who leathers a volley a yard over the bar.

Absolutely love that. They're properly backing their boys, which is easier said than done - finding the energy at the end of what's presumably been a long afternoon is tough.

GOAL! Netherlands 1-1 Croatia (Kramaric pen) The keeper dives left so Kramaric curls centre, with elevation. Nicely done.