Before Croatia captain Domagoj Vida played the first half of his side’s draw with Turkey, the Besiktas defender learned that he had tested positive for coronavirus a few hours before the game.
- Domagoj Vida tested ‘potentially positive’ coronavirus on Wednesday morning
- The result came at half-time in Croatia’s thrilling 3–3 draw against Turkey
- 31, Besiktas center-back, so was replaced by Philip Yuremovic
- Subsequent tests confirmed that Vida actually contracted the coronavirus
Croatia captain Domagoj Vida tested positive for coronavirus just hours before he knew he had played the minutes of his 3–3 match against Turkey.
The 31-year-old center-back returned to a negative Covid-19 test on Monday ahead of a friendly against Turkey with his national team-mates and a Nations League fixer against Sweden and Portugal.
But watching the test match in the morning of Istanbul’s game yielded a ‘potentially positive result’ for the Besiktas defender, and so he placed Philip Yuremovic as a precaution.
Croatia captain Domagoj Vida played against Turkey before he knew he had coronavirus
Tests conducted on Wednesday morning show he is likely to have a Covid-19
Further tests confirmed that he had actually contracted the virus and he was immediately put in solitary confinement.
‘The medical service of the Croatian national team received preliminary information at the end of the break between the two parts that there is a possible positive outcome,’ Read the statement of the Croatian Football Federation.
‘This is a normal testing procedure, and feedback is given to find‘ suspicious ’to confirm the result.
At the time, as coach Zlatko Dalik had already decided to replace Vida, the national team’s medical service had isolated Vida according to all epidemiological measures until test results were confirmed.
It was put in place before confirming further tests confirming an early coronavirus diagnosis
Vida, according to the rules, will spend the next few days in self-isolation in Istanbul.
‘All the other national team members and staff members who have tested negative are about to travel to Stockholm. It is to be noted that the national team complied with all epidemiological measures in accordance with UEFA’s Return to Play protocol. ‘
Croatia had to come back on two different occasions before they had to take their own lead in the 3-3 deadlock in Istanbul, with Vida Everton striker Sek Tosun accepting a penalty at the slot home.
Dalic’s next match in the Nelish League on Saturday is Sweden and currently third in Group A of League A, but he has taken just three points from the first four matches.
Boss Zlatko Dalic brought him in at half-time and will be without him against Sweden
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