In Kostrena, young Croatians have faced one of the tournament favourites, Spain, knowing that this will be their farewell to the final tournament. The Spaniards have already booked their ticket to the quarterfinals, securing the top of Group A after only two matches.
Croatia U-17 took the lead on 56 minutes, when Čolina scored a phenomenal goal from distance. In the the first minute of added time, Blanco finished off a beautiful Spain move to equalize (1:1).
In the other Group A match, Turkey defeated Italy 2:1 and joins Spain in the quarterfinals, as the runner-up.
"We are sad to have conceded so late in the game, we could have won all three points. However, I have to thank my players, it was not easy for them following the first two defeats. They never give up, and that will mean a lot in their careers. They were full of emotions, but played a disciplined match, and only a strong person can do that. I congratulate each and every one of them, one cannot wish for a better team. I hope we have all learned something and that we will continue to develop, in order to beat the top-class teams", said Croatia head coach Dario Bašić.
"Mere details can decided in this kind of a tournament, but Croatia can be happy with its performance. The group was very difficult, and now we have to analyze things and continue to work. Our system is good, even though some things can always be improved", he added.
