After the successful opening of the European Championship qualification cycle in 2022, with victories against Albania and Denmark, Marinko Mavrović’s Croatia welcomed the main competitor for first place, the national team of Ukraine.
The match in Osijek could not have started better for Croatia: in the second minute, Suton finished a quick action for the lead. However, Pedias scored in the ninth minute from a distance to equalize, and shortly before the half, Malyshko beat Luketin for the Ukraine lead (2:1).
Slobodan Kadic
That result stood on the scoreboard until the last five minutes of the game. Perić first assisted Jelovčić for 2:2, and then they switched roles – Jelovčić served Perić, who hit the back of the net for the Croatia victory (3:2).
Slobodan Kadic
“Well done to the boys; we kept a high rhythm and pressure; it was not easy to play against them,” coach Mavrović told HNTV.
“We have a good atmosphere in the team. Everyone gave a lot to this victory. This victory brought us very close to the European Championships; we did what we wanted,” added the coach after his third appearance on the Croatia bench and the third victory.
Croatia now leads the table with nine points, Ukraine and Denmark have three points each, but one match less, while Albania is at the bottom without points.
A spot at the 2022 European Championships in the Netherlands will be won by the winners of eight groups and the six best second-placed teams.
The two weakest second-placed national teams will fight for a spot as well.
In the second match of Group 1, Denmark won in Albania 3:1.
Croatia will play against Ukraine again on Sunday, March 7, this time in Zaporizhia.
Futsal EURO Qualifiers, Group 1:
1. Croatia 9 (3)
2. Ukraine 3 (2)
3. Denmark 3 (2)
4. Albania 0 (3)
Source: HNS
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
