Sweden beat Croatia 4-2 in the final match of the U-21 Euro Qualifiers
Although this generation was expected to reach the glory, the Croatian U-21 team lost their chance to qualify for the European Championships on October 10. 2016. The defeat in the final match of the group stage Vs. Sweden ended the hopes of the Croatian youngsters.
The start of the match was promising, as Perica scored after the captain Mario Pašalić set up the chance in the 23rd minute of play, but the hosts came back just three minutes later from the penalty shot.
Sweden was too strong in the second half, blowing the Croatian team off with three goals in twenty minutes. Centre-half Benković headed the ball for the final score, but it was only a consolation goal.
It is a shame that the Croatian team was not at its best possible, as three Dinamo players reported the injuries, although they came back to full training in a days time, and apparently put the Club’s interests ahead of the national team’s ones.
Also, one of the most talented players of the generation, Napoli’s Marko Rog played in two World Qualifiers matches for the A-team, and according to rules was unavailable for this game. It seems that the A-team could have managed without him playing just a short time in the Finland game on Sunday. He would surely be more valuable for U-21 team in today’s match.
Croatia finished third in Group 6 of the U-21 Euro Qualifiers, trailing to Sweden at first, and Spain at the second place.
