Croatia’s U-19 national football team, led by coach Siniša Oreščanin, delivered a commanding 3-0 victory against Serbia to advance to the semi-final of the European Championship in Wales. The young Vatreni side needed not only a convincing win but also a favor from Ukraine against Italy, and both fell into place.
Croatia came out determined and grabbed the lead in the 9th minute. Following a slick sequence of passes between Šutalo and Kusanović, Lovro Chelfi picked up the ball on the right wing and nailed a brilliant left-footed strike into the net for 1-0.
Croatia kept up the pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Serbian goalkeeper Draškić misplayed a pass. Tino Kusanović pounced on the turnover and squared the ball to Dino Godec, who slotted it past the keeper to make it 2-0.
Croatia sealed the win, and their spot among Europe’s final four, in the 87th minute. After Stojković brought down a Croatian attacker in the box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Patrice Čović calmly converted to make it 3-0.
While the young Vatreni were taking care of business on the pitch, the news they’d been hoping for arrived from elsewhere: Ukraine had beaten Italy 1-0, clinching Croatia’s path to the semifinals.
Croatia will now face Spain in the semifinal on July 8 at Central Park Stadium in Denbigh.
