Sluga back on the bench as Croatia lose to Sweden

Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga was back on the bench once more as Croatia lost their Nations League group clash against Sweden 2-1 on Saturday.

The 27-year-old had started the 3-3 draw with Turkey on Wednesday evening, but coach Zlatko Dalić opted for his first choice Dominik Livaković once more.

Sweden dominated the opening half and Dejan Kulusevski's measured finish saw the hosts lead on 36 minutes.

They doubled their advantage in the final moments of the first period, Marcus Danielson powering a header home from Sebastian Larsson's pinpoint corner.

Croatia couldn't find a way back into the game until 10 minutes to go when Ivan Perišić's header from a Nikola Vlašić delivery deflected off Danielson to pull one back.

Any further fightback didn't materialise though as speaking afterwards, Dalić said: "Sweden won the match in the first half. They were much better in that period and they deserved it.

"We took control in the second half, but it was not enough."

Croatia now host Portugal on Tuesday night, as they face relegation from Group A.