U-17: CROATIA - BELGIUM 1:1 (1:0, 3:5 - 11m)
European Championship, quarterfinals.
Burgas, Bulgaria.
Referee: M. Avram (Romania)
Goalscorers: 1:0 - Majić (34'), 1:1 - Azzaoui (53')
Yellow cards: Majić (60')
Croatia: Šemper, Hudećek, Sosa, Kalaica, Soldo, Brekalo, Đurasek (80+3' Halilović), Majić (65' Babić), Moro, Lovren, Gjira (70' Zenko). Head coach: D. Bašić.
Belgium: Teunckens, Delorge (70' Caignau), Faes, Janssens, Seigers, Thuys, Azzaoui, Ademoglu, Daneels, Rigo (77' Verreth), Van Vaerenbergh. Head coach: B. Browaeys.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Despite excellent performances in the group stage and another good game in the quarterfinal match against Belgium, Croatia U-17 did not manage to reach the semifinals of the European Championships. After a cagey start, Brekalo tried to open the scoring with a shot in the 20th minute.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatian goalie Šemper intervened a little later, when had a chance from close range, with Đurasek tempted to take a shot outside the area in the follow-up.
Dario Bašić's men took the lead in the 34th minute, when Lovren tried a shot, and Majić reacted brilliantly to score with a backheel.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Young Croatians started well in the second half, with Kalaica and Lovren coming close to scoring the second. However, in 53rd minute Azzaoui took advantage of a rare Croatian defensive mistake, and beat Šemper in one-on-one situation.
Babić and Sosa had the opportunity to score in the closing minutes, after Šemper beautifully dived to stop Rigo, but a penalty shoot-out proved necessary.
Belgium scored in all five attempts, with Moro failing to score the first Croatian penalty. Brekalo, Lovren and Sosa all found the net.
On 19 May, Croatia will play FIFA World Cup in Chile playoff match, against the losing team of the France - Italy quarterfinals.
