It has been a defining stretch for Croatia’s next generation of footballers, with the U-21, U-19, and U-17 sides all delivering results that underscore the country’s continued strength at the youth level.
The U-21 team recorded a commanding 3–0 win over Turkey in Osijek in a crucial Euro qualifier, in a match that will be remembered as much for its circumstances as for the result. Croatia started on the front foot, creating early pressure through Jagušić, Kavelj, and Segečić. Mlačić had a goal disallowed in the first half after a contentious decision, but the match soon took a dramatic turn.
Turkey was reduced to ten men in the 35th minute, before their head coach, Egemen Korkmaz, collapsed on the touchline moments later, forcing a near 90-minute suspension. After confirmation that Korkmaz was conscious and out of immediate danger, the match eventually resumed.
Croatia responded with focus. In extended first-half stoppage time, Segečić’s cross found Krivak at the far post for the opener. Jagušić doubled the lead early in the second half with a strike from the edge of the box. As Turkey lost discipline, finishing with just eight players after two further red cards, Mlačić added a late third to seal a dominant victory.
At the U-19 level, Croatia also delivered under pressure. A 1–1 draw against France in Varaždin was enough to secure top spot in their elite round qualifying group and book a place at the European Championship in Wales, marking their first appearance at this level since 2016.
After a strong opening, the breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Lovro Chelfi worked space on the right and picked out Pavle Smiljanić, who finished calmly to give Croatia the lead. France responded through Molebe, but Croatia held firm in the closing stages, aided by a late red card for Muzungu.
Meanwhile, Croatia’s U-17 side, led by Marijan Budimir, completed a remarkable run by finishing top of their qualifying group ahead of Poland, Ireland, and Slovakia. That result secured qualification for both the European Championship and the World Cup in Qatar, completing an exceptional period for the federation.
Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustić did not hide his pride:
“This is a wonderful day for Croatian football and one of my favorites since I have had the privilege of leading the federation. We all know how incredible it is for a small country like Croatia to have three World Cup medals. Still, it is also remarkable that a nation of fewer than four million people can qualify for two European Championships and one World Cup at the youth level in a single day.”
With the U-19 European Championship set for June 28 to July 11 in Wales, and the U-17 side preparing for both continental and global tournaments, Croatia’s youth pipeline is once again delivering on its reputation.
