FIFA U-17 World Cup: Croatia gets first victory

(Photo: HNS)

Croatia’s U-17 national team have claimed their first victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-0 in their second Group C match.

After a goalless draw against Senegal, one of the tournament favourites, in their opening fixture, Marijan Budimir’s side showed quality and composure today to secure all three points and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Croatia made a bright start to the match, creating their first real chance within the opening minute when Niko Horvat’s close-range shot was stopped by UAE goalkeeper Jassim Al Hammadi.

The early pressure paid off in the 30th minute, when Tin Kusanović opened the scoring. Gabrijel Šivalec intercepted a pass deep in the UAE half and played the ball through to Kusanović, who calmly finished from close range to make it 1-0.

Six minutes later, Šivalec turned scorer himself. The Slaven Belupo winger took would curl in a shot from around 15 metres to double Croatia’s lead.

Substitute Krešimir Radoš made it 3-0 in the 88th minute with a great header back across the goal to beat the UAE keeper. 

Budimir’s side controlled the game, showing solid organisation and discipline to keep a clean sheet and claim an important win.

(Photo: HNS)

Croatia’s starting line-up: Grahovac; Pajsar, Kumar, Jakirović, Kostelac; Smiljanić, Slišković; Šivalec, N. Horvat, P. Horvat; Kusanović.

The result leaves Croatia well-placed ahead of their final group match against Costa Rica on Sunday.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the round of 16, along with the eight best third-placed sides.This World Cup marks Croatia’s first appearance at U-17 level in a decade.