September 20, 2021 - Captain Luka Modrić returns for Croatia's October World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Slovakia.

The Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić invited 24 players, with six call-ups, to the qualifying matches against Cyprus and Slovakia in October, reports HNS.

After a very successful September, sitting at the top of the group with seven points in three games, the Croatia national team awaits the continuation of the European qualifications for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Croatia will play in Larnaca near Cyprus on October 8, and then they will host Slovakia on October 11 in Osijek.

The national team will gather on October 4 in Zagreb, where they will train until October 7 and then travel to Larnaca. They will travel to Osijek immediately after the match against Cyprus.

After missing the September qualifying campaign due to injury, Dalić's player list is again led by captain Luka Modrić.

"After a successful September, of course, we now welcome the new gathering with a lot of optimism, positive energy, and confidence. However, we must be aware that all the good we have done must now be confirmed with six more points and that we can only do so with the full concentration, approach, and togetherness we had at the last gathering. We have already beaten Cyprus and Slovakia in this cycle, and we accept the role of favorites in both games, but I repeat - we must be at our maximum. I am convinced that the invited players will successfully respond to this challenge, and of course, we are especially pleased with the return of Luka Modrić, who as a player and leader is of inestimable importance to us," said coach Zlatko Dalic.

List of players for Cyprus and Slovakia:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivušić (Osijek), Ivo Grbić (Lille).

Defenders: Domagoj Vida (Bešiktaš), Dejan Lovren (Zenit), Borna Barišić (Glasgow Rangers), Josip Juranović (Celtic), Mile Škorić (Osijek), Filip Uremović (Rubin Kazan), Joško Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Borna Sosa (Stuttgart), Josip Stanišić (Bayern).

Midfielders : Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea), Marcelo Brozović (Inter), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (West Ham), Luka Ivanušec (Dinamo Zagreb), Kristijan Jakić (Eintracht Frankfurt).

Strikers: Ivan Perišić (Inter), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Josip Brekalo (Torino), Mislav Oršić (Dinamo Zagreb), Marko Livaja (Hajduk).

Callups: Duje Ćaleta-Car (Olimpique de Marseille), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Antonio Mirko Čolak (Malmö), Simon Sluga (Luton Town), Kristijan Lovrić (Gorica), Nikola Moro (Dinamo Moskva).

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September 9, 2021 - The age-defying Croatian football great Luka Modrić celebrates 36 years today. To honor the Croatia captain and Real Madrid star, we recount an unknown story about the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner. 

Although already in his finer years, Luka Modrić is still one of the core players of the biggest football clubs in the world, Real Madrid. But Luka's path to stardom was anything but easy, especially when recounting his early childhood days. 

Luka's war history has been retold many times because as a six-year-old boy, he had to leave his family home in Zaton Obrovački, where in front of that house, Chetniks killed his grandfather Luka, after whom he was named. 

For many years, Modrić lived with his family in refugee hotels in Zadar - he was in the Kolovare Hotel until 1997, and then he moved to the Iž Hotel. He would go to school and training and moved his focus solely to football, which eased the pain of life's everyday difficulties. 

The separation, time of war, and everything that accompanied Luka's early years in Zadar were anything but pleasant, but there were many people with big hearts who tried to make those days better.

Namely, Luka received help from a Scottish humanitarian association founded during the war in former Yugoslavia, and its founder Magnus MacFarlane-Farrow (53) admitted his run-in with now football great Luka Modrić on The Scottish Sun.

“Little did we know that among the crowds of kids there was one who would grow up to be a global superstar. But now we can celebrate an amazing moment in the Mary’s Meals story," said funder and CEO of Mary’s Meals, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow. 

“Today, two million children ate Mary’s Meals in a place of education. When we set out on this path nearly 30 years ago, we were overwhelmed by people’s goodness in donating – and that’s been the story ever since."

In the beginning, Magnus personally came to Medjugorje with his brother Fergus and delivered help for those in need. And in 2019, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Mary's Meals branch, he visited Croatia. 

"In 2019, my Julie and I travelled back to Croatia for the ten-year anniversary of Mary’s Meals support there.

We enjoyed an amazing evening of dancing and singing in Slavonski Brod, a town we had last visited nearly thirty years previously when it was being ripped apart by war and home to many thousands of refugees.

At the main event in the capital, Zagreb, the following evening, I received a very wonderful surprise when I finished making my short speech.

One of the volunteers climbed onto the stage and presented me with a parcel, which on opening turned out to be a Croatia football top.

I was happy enough with that, being a big fan of their amazing national team, which had reached the World Cup final the previous year, but only when I turned it over in my hands did I realize it was much better than that.

It was a signed gift from Luka Modrić, who was the holder of the Ballon d’Or - so recognised as the best footballer on the planet.

He and his family support Mary’s Meals partly because they were themselves refugees in the coastal town of Zadar when Julie and I used to deliver aid there.

Little did we know that among the crowds of kids there was one who would grow up to be a global superstar."

Luka Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, where he also became a finalist with Croatia. He went on to win the Ballon d’Or and was named the men’s best player by FIFA and UEFA for the 2017/18 season. He also won the Golden Ball at the FIFA World Club Cup with Real Madrid, and helped the club win their third consecutive Champions League title. But that's only part of it, and there is no stopping him yet. 

Happy 36th Birthday, Luka!

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September 8, 2021 - Croatia against Russia at Poljud Stadium - the match that will decide the winner of Group H and a direct spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Croatia completed their September World Cup qualifiers with the victory against Slovenia (3:0) at Poljud on Tuesday, winning seven out of nine points. In the last six days, all three games were played against the main competitors for direct placement in the 2022 World Cup, reports Index.hr.

Croatia must finish the qualifications at the top of the group to directly qualify for the World Cup. Recall, finishing second leads to the most difficult additional qualifications for the World Cup in history. It is important to emphasize that these qualifications for the World Cup are completely different from all others so far. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the schedule is condensed, so the European part of the World Cup qualifiers is played across eight months, instead of the previous one and a half years. Namely, Qualifications run from March to November this year.

Furthermore, only ten group winners will secure a spot at the World Cup, while ten runners-up will play additional qualifiers. Thus, two winners of the 2020/21 Nations League groups will join those national teams, but only those who did not directly qualify for the World Cup and did not secure additional qualifications as runners-up in the World Cup qualifying groups.

Unlike in the past, during these additional World Cup qualifiers, the national teams will be divided into three groups. Only one knockout match will be played to define which three European national teams ensure their spot at the 2022 World Cup.

Four games before the end, it is clear that Croatia and Russia will decide the winner of the group. Both national teams have 13 points, and one goal only divides them. 

Before the qualifications, coach Zlatko Dalić said that he thinks 20 or 21 points will be enough for first place in the group. However, Croatia could again finish in the additional qualifications with 20 points, just like for the 2018 World Cup, when Croatia overcame Greece.

Apart from Croatia, Denmark also went to the playoffs with 20 points, but it is worth noting that in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Portugal and Ukraine went to the playoffs, even though they had 21 points each. So Dalić's calculation should not be taken as relevant.

Croatia has 13 points after six games, and by the end of this part of the qualification, four more games will be played from October 8 to November 14.

If Croatia, as expected, beats the two weakest national teams, Cyprus and Malta, it would have 19 points. Still, the decision will fall in Osijek and Split against the significantly stronger Slovakia and Russia. A mitigating circumstance for Croatia is that they play against both national teams at home.

Until the end, Russia's schedule and results will be equally important to Croatia, and the derby will decide the winner of the group in the last round, Croatia - Russia at Poljud

Croatia's schedule until the end of the World Cup qualifiers:

October 8: Cyprus - Croatia

October 11: CROATIA - Slovakia

November 11: Malta - Croatia

November 14: CROATIA - Russia

Russia's schedule until the end of the World Cup qualifiers:

October 8: Russia - Slovakia

October 11: Slovenia - Russia

November 11: Russia - Cyprus

November 14: Croatia - Russia

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September 7, 2021 - Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić and Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perišić spoke to the press ahead of Croatia's final September 2022 World Cup qualifier at Poljud on Tuesday. Ivan Perišić will captain Croatia against Slovenia. 

Croatia needs a victory at Poljud to increase points after consecutive visits to Russia and Slovakia.

"Certainly, there will be no Livaković in goal; we will not take any risks; Gvardiol is also questionable. I am not inclined to force what I am not sure of, as in the case of Modrić and Budimir. We will go with healthy and ready players. This, after all, was shown by this census at the beginning of the September cycle. Some players played a lot, Sosa, Juranović, Lovren… I'm a little scared to start a game with players who played a lot. We won’t change and invent much because we have nothing. I will say that Livaja will start the game, he has known this for several days, and I expect great things from him; he deserved it with his performances for Hajduk. In what position will he play? Everyone is there to play what is meant for them. Nobody plays a dominant position, even though the media constantly emphasize it," says Zlatko Dalić, who went on to discuss the importance of a victory and the demands of the third game in a week.

"We have to be favorites at our stadium, in front of our fans. Perhaps this will be the most difficult match for us because it is the third in just seven days against an aggressive and combative opponent who beat us in Slovenia. If we do not show the energy from Bratislava and Moscow, it will be difficult for us. However, I doubt that the audience will carry us in our motive, and I believe we will win the match. In which way, it doesn't matter; only the points are important."

Slovenia is no easy opponent. 

"Slovenia is not just Jan Oblak. Iličić rested; he is fresh and the biggest danger; he forms an attacking axis with Lovrić, and I expect Mlakar as well. Slovenia will play as much as we allow them and as we position ourselves on the field. We did not let Russia or Slovakia play with pressure; I am delighted with that game segment. We must react well to other opponents' balls again. Problems in the attack? We were a little futile going forward, but these aren’t games to die for in beauty. Points matter, not impressions. I said that I had no objections to what Croatia played, except for that final."

The team will once again be weakened with the absence of Luka Modrić.

"Luka will not be forever; we cannot keep repeating Luka, Luka, Luka. No one can replace him individually; we can only replace him as a team; we must understand that. He started training; he will be with us in October. We have to get rid of that rumor so that we can play without the captain, who we miss a lot."

There will be no lack of support at Poljud, and well-filled stands are expected.

"The support of the audience will be important to us. We remember Hungary and the fantastic atmosphere that reigned at Poljud during that match. It was an atmosphere that gave you chills. However, since I was the coach, where the point was that we played, it was beautiful for us, in Osijek, Rijeka, Zagreb… Regardless of what someone wants to do that is worthless, the Croatian people recognize the good. Therefore, I expect great support from the stands, and we will try to thank you with three points," concluded Dalić.

Ivan Perišić will lead Croatia as captain against Slovenia. Ivan is aware that the victory against Slovakia in Bratislava additionally raised the self-confidence of the national team.

"The atmosphere is great after the victory in Slovakia; it gave us extra energy. We did well in the matches against Russia and Slovakia, we did not concede a goal, and we can be satisfied with two of perhaps the most difficult away games. However, if we don't beat Slovenia, it won't mean much," said Perišić, who spoke about the hard September rhythm of these matches.

"The rhythm is tough; everything happened in a short time, it will be a little easier in October and November, but then we will already have two games a week with our clubs. Whoever survives will talk, ha, ha, ha… However, we have 25 players so that the coach can choose and distribute the forces. The skeleton of the team is there; the younger players already have a lot of serious games, they give us extra strength." 

Ivan spoke about the course of the match against Slovenia.

"We will start from the first minute to score; it will be easier if we open them at the start, as was the case against Hungary at Poljud. We definitely need to improve our attack, and we need more time for that. Poljud? Every game at Poljud is something special; it means a lot to me, family, friends, we can't wait for it to start."

Source: HNS

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September 6, 2021 - Attending Croatia's 2022 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Split on Tuesday? Here's all you need to know about mandatory EU COVID passports at Poljud Stadium, Spaladium Area ticket sales, and match expectations. 

Upon entering Poljud stadium for the 2022 World Cup qualifier between Croatia and Slovenia, which is played on Tuesday, September 7, visitors must present an EU digital Covid certificate, the Split Police reassured. 

"We remind visitors that at the entrance they must have: purchased a personalized ticket, an identification document with a picture (identity card, passport, driver's license) based on which their identity and EU digital Covid certificate will be verified before entering," the Split Police Department said in a statement.

All three documents must have identical identification data because visitors will not be able to enter the stadium.

Croatia and Slovenia will meet on Tuesday at 8:45 pm, and the entrance to the stadium will be open from 6 pm.

"We invite visitors to come earlier so that after inspections and checks, they can enter the stadium and take their place marked on the ticket," the police explained.

They stressed that, after entering the stadium and during the match, spectators could only sit in the place specified on the ticket and cannot be in spaces not provided for them.

The police note that before, during, and after the match, they will "intensively observe the area of ​​the City of Split, visit places where fans and fan groups will gather, carry out measures and actions within the competence of the police, all to prevent illegal behavior and protect property and safety."

"We are informing the citizens that in the coming days, and especially intensively on the day of the match, police officers will be more present in the City of Split, but also on the access routes, and take measures and actions within the competence of the police to prevent illegal behavior," the police said. 

The police emphasized that on the day of the match, in Split, but also Split-Dalmatia County, a large number of fans and members of various Croatia fan groups are expected.

"We ask citizens if they notice groups of people who are behaving illegally or could behave in such a way, to call the police at 192 immediately," the police urged.

They informed the citizens that they would block the traffic on the promenade around the stadium from Monday, from 8 pm until the end of the match on Tuesday.

As of Sunday, around 9,000 tickets had been sold for the match so far. The Spaladium Arena box office will be open on Monday, September 6, from 12 to 10 pm, and on Tuesday, September 7, from 9 to 9 pm. 

Hajduk striker Marko Livaja spoke about playing at home, at Poljud. 

"I am happy to be in the national team again, and I do not burden myself with minutes; it will be the way the coach decides. My position? I haven't played at the top of the attack for six, seven years, the coach has his vision, he knows what I play at the club, but I can certainly do better," says Livaja, who knows what Poljud has to offer.

"I am convinced that the atmosphere will be great and that we will play the right game. A victory would push us close to the desired goal. We are of better quality; I expect that Slovenia will close and wait for their chance. If we are real, we will win. Kek is a proven good coach, and he certainly knows our team well, but we have to concentrate on ourselves, and then the victory should not be in question."

Source: HNS, HRT

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September 5, 2201 - Croatia defeated Slovakia in their second match of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month, taking a crucial 3 points to keep first place in the group. 

After beating Slovakia in Bratislava, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said he was proud of the team's performance, primarily of the strong engagement of the players during the demanding away game.

With the triumph in Bratislava, Croatia kept first place in the group before the third consecutive September match in the qualifications for the World Cup in Qatar next year.

"Congratulations to our players on three points, but they deserve even greater congratulations for the energy, fighting spirit, and perseverance, which they showed throughout the game. That ultimately rewarded them with a victory. We played aggressively, combatively, compactly, trying in every way to score a goal. Unfortunately, we did not succeed, mostly because of a good, compact, and aggressive opponent, but also because of the really desperate terrain, which was a big problem for us. However, we took three points, did what we came to Bratislava for," says the coach Zlatko Dalić, whose team secured important points in the very end.

"We wanted to put pressure from the beginning of the game with three fresh players, highly raised Ivanušec, Čolak, and Oršić, because the field was terrible, and we knew that Slovakia likes to play over the backline. So we tried to be aggressive in that context and knew that we would give a chance to fresher, more rested players in the second half. Unfortunately, we didn't find the back pass and a real shot from a cross in the second half either, and the field really had a great impact on the game. And then, when the 80th minute came, I was afraid that we might be punished, In the end, we scored a goal."

After the game, the coach greeted Croatia fans in the stands.

"We should thank the people who managed to come to the game through some of their channels and support Croatia. It's really nice, I thank them for coming, and I think we made a nice base for Split and Poljud. I hope that the stands will be full."

Dalić spoke about the stressful period after the Euros: 

"It's hard and stressful, it's not easy, but people from my staff, who are very active, help me a lot. Ladić was at the matches between Slovenia and Slovakia and Slovenia and Malta, and with me are Olić, Ćorluka, and Pletikosa. We try to be even more compact and better, correct some of our mistakes and the pressure… I don’t follow, and I don’t watch, I do the best I can, and I can’t ban stories and comments; everyone has a right to them. I am glad that the players accept everything we agreed on in the meeting, and how they fought today is proof of how much they care and confirmation that the atmosphere is much better now. We have made a huge step forward without Luka Modric."

Up next is Slovenia in Split.

"I hope that we will take three more points against Slovenia and that in this September part of the qualifications we will get what we were looking for, a positive atmosphere and a big step forward. Here, look at the team that played today… All national team players play in their clubs, they are in shape, they have consistent playing time. That was very important. This game is a real indicator that we are on the right path, and there is no reason to give up. True, some players played both games, Juranović, Sosa, Brozović, Kovačić. However, it feels like Vlašić is a little tired. We will have to think about changes because it is difficult to expect all these players to be at the same level in the third game in a week." 

Another big winner in Bratislava is Ivica Ivušić, who replaced the injured Dominik Livaković in goal and saved Croatia on several occasions.

"I have to praise Ivušić; he pulled us out of some situations. He has constantly been defending for Osijek for two years. He is the most standard goalkeeper in the HNL. How did we decide between Ivušić or Sluga? The goalkeeper's coach Marijan Mrmić decided, and we supported his decision. In any case, Ivica bought a place in the national team with this match," concluded Dalic.

Source: HNS

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September 4, 2021 - In their second 2022 World Cup qualifier this month, Croatia beats Slovakia 1:0 in Bratislava.

After drawing to Russia in Moscow, the Croatia national team met Slovakia in Bratislava as part of the most demanding mini-cycle in these 2022 World Cup qualifications.

The starting lineups were released an hour before the match, which saw as many as five changes for Croatia. It was announced that starting goalkeeper Dominik Livaković would not be able to play tonight's match, and is questionable against Slovenia, with Osijek keeper Ivica Ivušić taking his place. Dalić also opted for Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Mario Pašalić on the bench to start this match, while Domagoj Vida returned to the starting lineup after serving his yellow card suspension.

Slovakia: Rodak - Pekarik, Šatka, Škriniar, Hancko; Mak; Kucka, Lobotka; Hamšik, Weiss; Schranz

Croatia: Ivušić - Juranović, Lovren, Vida, Sosa; Vlašić, Brozović, Kovačić; Ivanušec, Vlašić, Oršić; Čolak

Croatia had their first chance in the 3rd minute. Čolak played Brozović at the top of the box who failed precision in his shot.  

In the 10th minute, a brilliant ball by Čolak found Oršić who hit the post. Dalić's match strategy was high-pressure in the attack, which Croatia had fulfilled from the start. Ivanušić shot on goal 4 minutes later which was saved by the Slovakia keeper. 

Another great chance for Croatia happened in the 18th minute - Oršić found Čolak near the penalty area who was just a second too late with his shot which deflected for a corner. 

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia's first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Weiss shot just wide of the goal. Croatia's defense had a lapse in judgment in the 26th minute forcing Ivušić to save the day to keep the game 0:0. 

A dangerous free-kick for Slovakia followed two minutes later which made its way into the box. Vida and Lovren were brilliant in the back to block the ball for a corner. 

Vlašić's shot was deflected for a corner in the 32nd minute, and his chance a minute later was saved by the keeper.  

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia picked up their attacking game from the 40th minute which put Croatia's defense to work with moments of panic. The match ended 0:0 at the half. 

The second half started with no changes for Croatia. 

Croatia continued their high-pressing game to start the second half, with a good chance by Vida in the 51st minute. 

Slovakia had a chance a minute later which the referee ultimately called for a foul. Another great chance for Croatia came from a Sosa cross in the 53rd minute which went across the box. 

There were three substitutions for Croatia in the 55th minute - Livaja, Perišić, and Pašalić came in for Čolak, Ivanušec, and Vlašić. 

Another Sosa ball across the box just missed Pašalić in the 57th minute. Croatia's hunger for a goal was not slowing down. 

Slobodan Kadic

Livaja shot in the 60th minute which was deflected for a Croatia corner that went out off the head of Lovren.

Andrej Kramarić came in for Oršić in the 62nd minute. 

Slovakia missed a chance in front of the goal in the 72nd minute. In the 77th minute, Perišić and Livaja both crossed into the box with no luck. Croatia was creating chances but had much difficulty finding the back of the net. 

Kovačić lost the ball in the 82nd minute which almost resulted in a Slovakia lead, but Ivušić was there to make the save. 

Dalić made his last substation in the 84th minute - Lovro Majer came in for Mateo Kovačič.

Two minutes later, it finally happened for Croatia. In the 86th minute - Majer's free-kick made its way to Brozović who volleyed in for a goal! It was 1:0 for Croatia with 4 minutes to go. 

Slobodan Kadic

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia followed with a dangerous attack in the next minute which Ivušić tipped over the post for a corner. A series of corners for Slovakia followed, with Croatia's defense in a panic to clear the ball out. 

The ref added 4 minutes to the end of the match, which was not enough for Slovakia to equalize. The match ended 1:0 for Croatia!

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia concludes this mini-cycle at home against Slovenia at Poljud on September 7.

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September 3, 2021 - Mario Mandžukić retires from football after 17 years on the pitch. The Croatian footballer announced the news with an emotional post on his Instagram profile today. 

Mario Mandžukić announced the end of his playing career on Friday. One of the greatest Croatian footballers of all time said goodbye to his beloved sport after seventeen years on the pitch. 

Mario announced the news in an emotional Instagram post on Friday. 

"Dear little Mario,

While you put on these boots for the first time, you can't even imagine what you will get to experience in football. You'll score goals at the biggest stages and you'll win the biggest trophies with the biggest clubs. Proudly representing your nation, you will help write the history of Croatian sports.

You'll succeed because you'll have good people around you – teammates, coaches, fans, and family, agent and friends who will always be there for you. You'll be forever grateful to all of them!

Above all, you'll succeed because you'll always give your best. At the end, that's what you'll be most proud of. You'll sacrifice a lot, but you'll know it was worth it because of all the amazing moments.

You'll recognize the moment to retire, to put these boots in a cabinet and you'll have no regrets. Football will always be a part of your life, but you'll look forward to a new chapter.

Enjoy!
Your big Mario

P.S. If you happen to play vs England in the World Cup, just be ready around 109th minute"

Mario most recently played for AC Milan, and news of a new transfer covered headlines in recent months. Mario, however, decided it was time, ending his career at 35 years old. 

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September 2, 2021 - The U21 Croatia national team defeated Azerbaijan at the start of the U21 Euro qualifiers in Velika Gorica.

The U21 Croatia national football team opened a new qualification cycle for the 2023 European Championship with a 2:0 victory against Azerbaijan in Velika Gorica. Croatia led 2:0 with goals by Sučić (10) and Šimić (24), and that result remained until the end. In the second half, Croatia had several good opportunities to increase its lead. 

Coach Igor Bišćan has many new and interesting young players at his disposal, such as RB Salzburg player Luka Sučić, who was very much wanted by Austria, but also young Hajduk player Stipe Biuk, who exploded for the Split club last season. In addition, there are also Bayern and Borussia Dortmund players, 21-year-old Josip Stanišić and 20-year-old Marco Pašalić, both of whom have already made their debut for their clubs. They were not available for today's match due to injuries.

Even without a few important players, it didn't take long for Croatia to dominate the game. In the third minute, Šimić had the first attempt, while Antonio Marin hit the post from a free kick in the seventh minute. However, Luka Sučić was more successful in that regard, scoring 1:0 from a free kick in the 10th minute. It was his national team debut.

It didn't take long to score the second goal. In the 24th minute, Roko Šimić scored for 2:0 from a Biuk assist.

The second goal was followed by a period of play in which Croatia possessed the game but was less threatening. Azerbaijan was largely powerless.

In the second half, Croatia continued at a steady pace. Croatia had possession, but the offensive ambitions still waned. Marin was closest to the goal in the 57th minute, Kačavenda in the 72nd minute, and Vidović in the 76th and 84th minute, but it remained 2:0 until the end.

Croatia lineup: Pandur, B. Šutalo, J. Šutalo, Krizmanić, Čolina, Franjić (from 80' Liber), Sučić (from 68' Pršir), Marin (from 80' Bušnja), Kačavenda, Biuk (from 68' Vidović), Šimić (from 68' Ljubičić).

The next match will be played against Finland in Oulu on September 7 at 5 pm.

Nine group winners and the best second-placed national team will directly qualify for the 2023 U21 European Championship. The remaining eight runners-up will play additional qualifiers to go to the Euros.

Source: HRT

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September 1, 2021 - Russia and Croatia draw in Moscow in the first 2022 World Cup qualifier for the Vatreni this month. 

The Croatia national team continued their qualification cycle for the 2022 World Cup against Russia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Coach Zlatko Dalic faced a problem before the start of the match. Gvardiol, who was supposed to play stopper with Lovren, felt muscle tightening before kick-off. Duje Ćaleta-Car entered the starting lineup instead. Recall, Luka Modrić did not travel with the team to Russia due to an injury. 

Lineups

Russia: Guilherme; Mario Fernandes, Diveev, Dzhikiya, Karavayev; Kuzyayev, Barinov, Golovin; Ionov, Miranchuk, Zakharyan

Croatia: Livaković; Juranović, Lovren, Ćaleta-Car, Sosa; Brozović, Kovačić; Vlašić, Pašalić, Perišić; Kramarić

The match started with a Russia attack which was no problem for Livaković. Good movement up Croatia's wings saw a few balls played into the penalty area but went short to Russia's keeper. Croatia's first corner of the match was in the 11th minute. Ćaleta Car's header went high over the goal. 

Russia's most dangerous opportunity came in the 14th minute with a rocket from Zakharyan, but Livaković's fingertips forced it out for a corner. 

Croatia began attacking more aggressively in the 5 minutes that followed, with crosses lobbed into the box by both Sosa and Juranović. 

Slobodan Kadic

While Croatia maintained possession they maintained their calm and didn't attack Russia's goal much from the 30th minute. Russia, however, also had trouble giving Livaković much work to do. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's best chance came in the 40th minute with a world-class through ball from Kovačić. The Russia keeper beat Kramarić to it by a millisecond, thus ending the play. Another great chance happened two minutes later. A brilliant Juranović cross into the box went off Pašalić's head to Perišić who just shot wide of the goal. 

Slobodan Kadic

The match ended 0:0 at the half after a much more offensive Croatia in the final 5 minutes.  

The second half started with a shot on goal for Russia which Livaković saved to keep the score 0:0. Croatia's first real chance of the second half came 10 minutes later when Vlašić shot over the goal. Croatia was struggling to break through the tough Russia defense. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's defense was lucky when a Russia attack was called offside in the 62nd minute. Sosa shot from outside the box two minutes later but it was an easy save for the Russia keeper. 

Luka Ivanušec came in for Mario Pašalić in the 69th minute. Mislav Oršic came in for Andrej Kramarić and Mirko Livaja for Ivan Perišić in the 72nd. 

Russia increased its attacking game but failed to find the back of the net. Ivanušec shot at the keeper in the 81st minute. An injury ended Ćaleta Car's game in the 84th minute. Mile Škorić was subbed on in his place. 

A weak clearance from Lovren in the 87th minute nearly cost Croatia a goal, but Livaković saved it to keep the score even. The final few minutes saw panic for the Croatia defense who were threatened by Russia in the penalty area. 

Four minutes were added by the referee. 

Kovačić used his technical skills to dribble through the Russia defense, sending a slow-motion ball across the goal line in the 2nd minute of added time for another Croatia chance, but it wasn't enough. The match ended 0:0. 

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