June 22, 2022 - Croatia and Denmark will meet in the U21 EURO playoffs in September this year. 

The national team of Denmark will be the last obstacle for Croatia on the way to the U21 European Championships next year. According to the value of all possible rivals Croatia could draw in the playoffs, Denmark ranks up there as one of the highest quality national teams.

"From the teams we were able to draw, they are the best, and their results show that. However, due to the goal differential, they remained below the line, similar to us. A difficult match for us, but also for them," said coach Igor Bišćan for Gol.hr.

Does he believe Croatia will qualify?

"Certainly, we believe in us, in the team. The guys have shown in these qualifiers, which ended the way they did, that they have the right mentality, character, and quality to hope for the best."

The games do not directly overlap with the Nations League. Did he talk to Zlatko Dalić about sharing players?

"We didn't because we only found out the draw on Tuesday, and the game is still very far away. Dalić has priority, he will be the first to choose, and we are happy when one of ours finishes in the first team. That is the purpose of our work. Dalić has shown a lot of understanding so far, we have cooperated very well, and I believe we will continue."

Croatia led the qualifiers until the end - what happened?

"Well, it's hard to expect such a decline; we were almost perfect in qualifying. We didn't expect to stumble so much in those moments. We'll learn. Our players haven't matured in football yet, and let's not say mentally. We paid dearly for that by not going directly to the Euro. We can't change that; I would attribute that to some growing up. If it had to happen, it's good that it happened now that we can still correct it."

How is he dealing with criticisms?

"They are an integral part of our work. Those who cannot understand that should not engage in this profession," Bišćan concluded. 

The additional qualifier matches will be played between September 19 and 27 this year. The Croatia U21s will play the first game at home. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated sports section. 

October 8, 2021 - In the third round of the Euro 2023 qualifiers, the Croatia U21 side topped Norway 3:2 in Varaždin, recording their third win in 3 rounds! 

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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