Berlin, June 1: Croatia snatched a 2-1 victory over Mali Saturday in their first friendly match in preparation for the World Cup in Brazil.

Ivan Perisic opened the scoring after 15 minutes and the Wolfsburg forward completed his brace midway through the second half, Xinhua reported.

Kalilou Traore pulled one back for the visitors in Osijek with 11 minutes remaining but Croatia held on for the win.

The team coached by Niko Kovac now heads to Brazil for a friendly match with Australia in Salvador on June 6.

Croatia face Brazil in the opening match of the World Cup in Group A on June 12 before going on to face Mexico and Cameroon.