Italy beat Croatia 1-0 in the U-17 EURO opening match
The Croatian U-17 national team started the EURO 2017 campaign in Rijeka with high hopes but failed to avoid defeat against the Italian team on May 3. 2017.
Italy was the dominant side throughout the match, but the Croatian goalkeeper, Dominik Kotarski, was up to the task, and it seemed that he would earn his team a draw. Unfortunately, Juventus’ rising star Moise Kean found a way past Kotarski two minutes from time.
“There is no time to despair, that’s not in our mentality. The guys want to play again as soon as possible to amend their mistakes. It’s hard after conceding so late in the game, but they will give their best once again” said Croatia head coach Dario Bašić in the post-match interview.
“Overall, the match was good. Both teams had their opportunities, but it was the individual quality that made the difference. I can only congratulate my players; they did not lack effort, desire or quality. Italy is a great team, and nothing is decided yet. We’ll be even better against Turkey” he added.
In the decisive moments of the game, Croatia struggled with fatigue, explained the head coach;
“One had to adapt to these high-level performances, similar to senior football. The Italians took advantage of our lapses in concentration. We need to improve defensive discipline, and our midfielders need even more matches like this one, to learn to play even faster. Our goalkeeper Kotarski had some brilliant saves, he is definitely one of the key players of this team. He did quite well, and confirmed his skills”.
On Saturday, Croatia plays Turkey, who lost to Spain 3:2 after taking a two-goal lead.
