The Croatia futsal team is one step closer to securing their spot at the 2022 European Championship after yet another convincing away victory against Ukraine.
In the fourth round of the new qualification cycle, Croatia recorded its fourth victory. Two rounds before the end of the competition, Croatia holds the top spot in Group 1, which confirms direct placement at the Euros in the Netherlands.
After winning 3:2 in the final minutes of the match in Osijek, Croatia took the lead away against Ukraine. In the ninth minute, Suton found Matošević, but a quick reversal from Ukraine soon followed. Šoturma scored from 6 meters, and less than a minute later, Zvaryč scored from a distance for 2:1.
However, in the 15th minute, Marinović cheated the goalkeeper Cypun with a brilliant move to equalize at 2:2. Ten seconds before the half, Ukraine’s goalkeeper received a red card for playing with his hand outside the penalty area.
Croatia did not use the numerical advantage, but Marinović quickly returned Croatia’s advantage for 2:3, and Jelovčić made it 2:4 with a fantastic goal from his own half. Kanjuh punished Ukraine with a new long-range goal for 2:5.
Marinović increased Croatia’s lead to 2:6 by breaking through the Ukrainian defense, and a Suhov own goal a minute before the end of the match made it 2:7.
Croatia will play against Albania (April 7, Tirana) and welcome Denmark (April 10, Varaždin) in the last two qualifying matches. Croatia can lose first place only if they are left empty-handed, and Denmark wins in all three remaining matches, including the one against Croatia, with a better result of 4:1.
The European Championship is scheduled from January 19 to February 6, 2022, and the 16 best national teams will play in Amsterdam and Groningen.
Futsal EURO Qualifiers, Group 1:
1. Croatia 12 (4)
2. Ukraine 3 (3)
3. Denmark 3 (3)
4. Albania 3 (4)
Source: HNS
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