Forward bags a goal and assist
SAIDO Berahino shone as England defeated Croatia 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Under 21 Championship play-off at Molineux.
The club’s top scorer scored one and made one as Gareth Southgate’s men ensured they departed for the return leg in Vinkovci with a slender advantage.
The Albion star delivered a delicious cross from the left to set up Harry Kane, before winning, and then converting a late penalty in front of the on-looking England boss, Roy Hodgson.
Berahino played the full 90 minutes, and was deployed as a left-winger for the majority of the encounter, as opposed to a central striker, a position which he has been occupying for Alan Irvine’s men this term.
Berahino was the first player to have an attempt at goal in the match, his curling effort from just inside the box sailing over after 11 minutes.
But it was the visitors who took the lead in the 13th minute, Marko Livaja finding acres of space to nod home from six yards out following a flick on at the near post by Niko Datkovic from Filip Bradaric’s corner.
But England, with the help of Berahino, were able to hit back on 58, as the Baggies frontman curled a delicious cross in from the left, with Harry Kane on hand to head home from eight yards out.
With four minutes remaining Berahino proved to be his nation's hero.
The forward was sent sprawling by the on-rushing Livakovic in the area, but he was able to pick himself up and powerfully dispatch the spot kick to seal England’s victory.
England: Butland ©, Keane (Dier HT), Shaw, Hughes (Ince 56’), Gibson, Moore, Berahino, Forster-Caskey, Kane, Carroll, Redmond
Subs not used: Bond (gk), Garbutt, Lascelles, Baker, Bamford
Goal: Kane 56’
Booked: Dier 69', Moore 83
Croatia: Livakovic, Zuparic, Milic, Bradaric, Datkovic ©, Mitrovic, Pjaca, Pavicic, Rebic, Livaja (Bagaric 70’), Coric (Pasalic 63’)
Subs not used: Delac (gk), Perica, Milos, Caktas,Brucic
Goal: Livaja 13’
Booked: Zuparic 49’, Pavacic 80’
Referee: Xavier Estrada Fernandez (Spain)
Attendance: 23,107