The U21 Croatia national football team opened a new qualification cycle for the 2023 European Championship with a 2:0 victory against Azerbaijan in Velika Gorica. Croatia led 2:0 with goals by Sučić (10) and Šimić (24), and that result remained until the end. In the second half, Croatia had several good opportunities to increase its lead.
Coach Igor Bišćan has many new and interesting young players at his disposal, such as RB Salzburg player Luka Sučić, who was very much wanted by Austria, but also young Hajduk player Stipe Biuk, who exploded for the Split club last season. In addition, there are also Bayern and Borussia Dortmund players, 21-year-old Josip Stanišić and 20-year-old Marco Pašalić, both of whom have already made their debut for their clubs. They were not available for today’s match due to injuries.
Even without a few important players, it didn’t take long for Croatia to dominate the game. In the third minute, Šimić had the first attempt, while Antonio Marin hit the post from a free kick in the seventh minute. However, Luka Sučić was more successful in that regard, scoring 1:0 from a free kick in the 10th minute. It was his national team debut.
It didn’t take long to score the second goal. In the 24th minute, Roko Šimić scored for 2:0 from a Biuk assist.
The second goal was followed by a period of play in which Croatia possessed the game but was less threatening. Azerbaijan was largely powerless.
In the second half, Croatia continued at a steady pace. Croatia had possession, but the offensive ambitions still waned. Marin was closest to the goal in the 57th minute, Kačavenda in the 72nd minute, and Vidović in the 76th and 84th minute, but it remained 2:0 until the end.
Croatia lineup: Pandur, B. Šutalo, J. Šutalo, Krizmanić, Čolina, Franjić (from 80′ Liber), Sučić (from 68′ Pršir), Marin (from 80′ Bušnja), Kačavenda, Biuk (from 68′ Vidović), Šimić (from 68′ Ljubičić).
The next match will be played against Finland in Oulu on September 7 at 5 pm.
Nine group winners and the best second-placed national team will directly qualify for the 2023 U21 European Championship. The remaining eight runners-up will play additional qualifiers to go to the Euros.
Source: HRT
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.
