Croatia into 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup play-off

Croatian futsal team (Photo: HNS)

OSIJEK, 1 February 2020 – Croatia has reached the play-offs for the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup.  

Croatia sealed their play-off spot after finishing runners-up in UEFA elite round Group C which ended on Saturday. Croatia advances into the play-offs on 9 and 12 April for the remaining two UEFA berths for the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Osijek this past week hosted the UEFA elite round Group C which featured hosts Croatia, Russia, Slovakia and Azerbaijan. Croatia beat Azerbaijan in their opening match 2:0, then went on to beat Slovakia 3:2. Tonight Croatia went down 4-3 to Russia which means they finished second on goal difference to Russia who qualifies direct for the finals.

(Photo: HNS)

UEFA elite round Group C final standings

1. Russia 6 (+6)
2. Croatia 6 (+2)
3. Azerbaijan 4
4. Slovakia 1

The 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup will be the ninth time that it has been held and will take place from 12 September to 4 October 2020 in Lithuania. It will mark the first FIFA tournament ever hosted by Lithuania and the first Futsal World Cup in Europe since 1996, which was held in Spain. 

(Photo: HNS)

The last time Croatia took part was at the 2000 FIFA Futsal World Cup held in Guatemala when they finished 5th. Argentina are the current defending champions. 

Croatia will meet the runner-up in Group D in the play-off which features Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Romania and Slovenia.