In its third appearance in Group A of the 2023 European Championship qualifications, the Croatia U21 football team met Norway in Varaždin.
After two rounds, the Croatia side collected all six points, just like Norway. The young Croatia team thus achieved its third victory, defeating Norway 3-2 (2-0) in Varaždin on Friday.
Lineups:
Croatia: Pandur, B.Šutalo, Soldo, Vušković, Čolina, Palaversa, Sučić, J.Šutalo, Marin, Šimić, Kačavenda
Norway: Klaesson, Sebulonsen, Heggheim, Daland, Ostrom, Larsen, Askildsen, Hove, Evjen, Botheim, Holm
Croatia led 1:0 already in the 2nd minute with a goal by Roko Simic after a free kick taken by Luka Sučić.
Croatia increased their lead to 2:0 thanks to Luka Sučić, assisted by Ante Palaversa.
Norway looked powerless and without opportunities for most of the first half, without real chances until just before the halftime whistle.
The second half started with changes in Norway’s lineup – coach Leif Gunnar Smerud sent Emil Konradsen Ceide and Tobias Christensen on for Robin Dahl Ostrom and Hakon Evjen.
Norway scored for 2:1 in the 55th minute, before Vušković made it 3:1 two minutes later!
And the madness didn’t stop there – Norway came back for 3:2 in the 58th minute, making it three goals in 3 minutes!
Norway increased their pressure on Croatia’s defense, especially in the final minute of the match. Three minutes of injury time were added by the referee, in which Norway was unable to equalize.
Croatia thus recorded their 3rd win in 3 games in this qualification cycle! Croatia currently leads the group with a maximum of nine points, Norway and Austria have six, followed by Finland with three points, and Azerbaijan and Estonia without points.
In four days, Croatia will play away against Azerbaijan in Sumgayit.
All nine group winners and the best runners-up will qualify, while the remaining eight runners-up will advance to additional qualifications.
The 2023 European Championship will be played in Georgia and Romania.
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