Mandzukic hat-trick paves the way for historic Croatia romp over Kosovo

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Kosovo's first competitive home match did not go to plan, as Mario Mandzukic's hat-trick led a 6-0 win for Croatia.

A first-half Mario Mandzukic hat-trick helped Croatia condemn Kosovo to a 6-0 hammering in their first competitive match at home.

Kosovo, playing in Shkodra in neighbouring Albania as they do not have a suitable UEFA-approved stadium, are embarking on their first World Cup qualifying campaign after becoming a member of UEFA and FIFA in May 2016, but their newly formed status was plain to see as Croatia cruised.

Juventus striker Mandzukic opened the scoring with a clinical finish when one-on-one early on before a couple of headers completed his treble and had Croatia three ahead 10 minutes before the break.