After defeating Poland at the start of the European Futsal Championship in the Netherlands, the Croatia national futsal team lost in the second round to Russia 4:0.
The match was off to a poor start for Croatia as Vedran Matošević earned a red card for a tough challenge on Robinho. Russia quickly capitalized with an extra player when Antoshkin scored for 1:0 in the third minute.
It took Croatia time to establish their rhythm, but it didn’t take long for Russia to put their second goal past goalkeeper Žarko Luketin. Paulinho scored for 2:0 in the 12th minute.
Croatia had plenty of opportunities in the first half. Marinović threatened Russia’s goal twice, Jelovčić and Jurlina once, but at the very end of the first 20 minutes, Russia scored a new goal thanks to Čiškala for 3:0 at the half.
The match was pretty even as the second half began, and only one goal was scored. Antoshkin scored his second goal of the match in the 26th minute for the final 4:0.
Russia thus secured first place in the group and a place in the quarterfinals. Poland and Slovakia will play the other Group C match later tonight.
In the last round of Group C, Croatia will meet Slovakia, and Russia will face Poland. Only then will it be known who will advance to the quarterfinals with Russia.
The 3rd round matches are scheduled for 14:30 on January 29. The Croatia – Slovakia match is broadcast on HTV2.
The 2022 UEFA Euro Futsal tournament is hosted for the first time in the Netherlands.
Euro, Group C (Round 2):
Croatia – Russia 0:4 (Antoshkin 3, 26, Paulinho 12, Chiskala 20)
Poland – Slovakia (20:30)
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