U-17: CROATIA - SPAIN 0:0 (0:0)
European Championships, Group A.
Sliven, Bulgaria.
Referee: E. Lambrechts (Belgija)
Goalscorers: -
Yellow cards: Lovren (24'), Babić (50'), Pepelu (55'), Urošević (61'), Zenko (69')
Croatia: Nevistić, Hudećek, Sosa (41' Soldo), Kalaica, Briški, Lovren (55' Majić), Halilović, Urošević, Zenko, Babić (53' Brekalo), Blečić. Head coach: D. Bašić.
Spain: Inaki, Amo, Cucu, Alex Martin, Dani Morer, Alena, Villalba (80+1' Oscar), Pepelu (73' Moya), Dani Olmo, Kuki (78' Navarro), Carles Perez. Head coach: S. Denia.
Croatia U-17 finished the EURO 2015 group stage at the top of the Group A, courtesy of a goalless draw with Spain in Sliven.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Dario Bašić's men reached the second round after the first two games and victories over Bulgaria (2:0) and Austria (1:0).
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia head coach gave the opportunity to some of the players that did not play in the first two games, but the national team performed well once again and continued to keep the clean sheet. Young Croatians did not concede a single goal in the Elite Round, nor in the Group A matches.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Draw in Sliven secured Spain the runner-up spot and a place in the quarterfinals, with third-placed Austria and hosts Bulgaria saying farewell to the tournament. Their match also finished in a draw (1:1).
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the quarterfinals stage, Croatia U-17 will play the Group B runner-up Belgium, with the winner securing the World Cup berth.
"Spain is a top team, one of the best in Europe, but we have proven that we can cope with the best as well. We wanted to avoid injuries, give a chance to those who have not yet played, and they gave their contribution. It was a quality solution, especially in defence. Spain had just a few opportunities, usually after our mistakes, and we could have also won the match. We have fulfilled our goal of keeping the clean sheet once again, and being top of the group gives us a sense of security and self-confidence before the Belgium encounter", says Croatia head coach Dario Bašić.
Croatia and Belgium are to meet on Friday, 15 May, with the winner travelling to the World Cup in Chile.
"Belgium is a strong team that showed its quality against Germany. They even had better chances and could have defeated the Germans. They are disciplined, with a couple of individuals who can present a major problem for anyone. We will be well prepared, and considering our quality and current form, we have the strength to make it to the semifinals. It will not be easy, but I hope for a positive outcome", concluded Bašić.
Group A:
1. Croatia 7
2. Spain 5
3. Austria 2
4. Bulgaria 1
