Vida abruptly leaves game after positive coronavirus test

ISTANBUL

Croatian defender Domagoj Vida was substituted at halftime of a friendly match against Turkey in Istanbul on Nov. 11 night after his coronavirus test came out positive.

Vida’s test made on Nov. 9 came out negative, hence he started the game, Croatian officials said. But the technical staff were made aware at halftime of the result of a test made for the team’s next game against Switzerland, forcing them to replace the Beşiktaş player.

Vida has gone into isolation in Istanbul, Croatian officials said.

The defender was very active in the first half of the 3-3 draw with Turkey at Vodafone Park, raising concerns that he might have contaminated other players on the pitch.

In the game, Cenk Tosun converted a penalty shot in the 23rd minute to give Turkey the lead, but Ante Budimir gave a quick response to equalize the match.

Turkey regained the lead, thanks to a goal by Deniz Türüç to end the first half 2-1.

After the break, Croatia was in total control in the first 11 minutes, scoring two goals via Mario Pasalic and Josip Brekalo.

Cengiz Ünder completed the goal extravaganza in the 58th minute to seal a draw.