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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Ivan Perisic delivers Tottenham fitness boost with star display for Croatia ahead of north London derby

Tottenham received a fitness boost ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal as Ivan Perisic came through 90 minutes for Croatia.

The winger had been a doubt for the Nations League clash with Austria after coming off worse in a challenge with Spurs teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a win over Denmark last week.

Perisic was taken off in that game but returned to the starting line-up on Sunday as his country won 3-1 to claim top spot of Group A1.

Ex-Spurs star Luka Modric put Croatia in front before a quick equaliser from the hosts. Perisic was the man to cross for Marko Livaja’s headed winner on 69 minutes before Dejan Lovren sealed the points.

Boss Zlatko Dalic said: “It was a really big result and a win in a tough game. We took the lead and conceded a goal. It was a great fight, so I congratulate the boys even more, they invested maximum effort and energy.”

Elsewhere, Hojbjerg completed the match as Denmark beat France in Copenhagen to finish second in their Nations League group.

Ben Davies was absent through injury as Wales lost to Poland.

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