Monday just got a bit more spicy after Italy’s result in Milan.
With Italy losing 4-1 to Norway Sunday, Croatia can move back into Pot 1 of the World Cup draw ONLY if the following happens Monday:
Germany draws/loses to Slovakia
Croatia defeats Montenegro
Germany hosts Slovakia in Leipzig. Both are level on 12 points in the group but Germany has the superior goal differential. So a draw will get them directly into the World Cup. However, if Germany does draw and Croatia wins in Montenegro, then the Germans will head to Pot 2 for the World Cup draw while Croatia leap frogs them to Pot 1.
I personally think Germany will win on home soil versus Slovakia to make all this a moot point, but it will be interesting to see what kind of starting XI Dalić puts together as both matches will be played at the same time.
If Belgium lose to Liechtenstein
They’ll drop below Croatia
Not sure if draw
Wales was our only hope for Belgium to drop.
Unfortunately for Wales and us, Belgium won 4-2 with the help of two PKs.
With Anonymouse well trained eye test, the Under 17 team had lured the Flying Dutchman into a false sense of security.
This was always the plan for all you nose pickers who were not paying attention.
Luckily, the greatest Croatian pundit, Anonymouse is on the scene;)
Regardless of which pot we finish in, it would be nice to get a poor Pot 4 team like Haiti.
Even though Haiti would get rocked by all the other three teams in the group, the added three points to our tally would automatically clinch progression (since 8 of the 12 third-placed teams advance).
Re: Groups who get a Pot 4 team like Ghana…their third-placed team will not advance simply because there will likely be draws (and lost points as a result).
One win over Haiti, giving you three points (with a solid goal differential) will be enough to progress on its own.
That’s how stupid this expanded tournament is.
U17 EURO qualifier in Kotoriba near Cakovec
Croatia 3 v Holland 2
Incredible win by our boys, totally outplayed by the Dutch in the first half and we were lucky that it was only 1 – 0 at HT. They should have been up by 3 or 4 goals with so many missed chances.
Second half they went 2 – 0 up and then in the 61 minute we had a penalty and made it 2 – 1. Two minutes later their goalkeeper drops the ball from a cross and we make it 2 – 2. In the 80th minute we had a player sent off for dissent after not being awarded a penalty.
Playing with 10 we were awarded another penalty in 91 minute to make it 3 – 2.
In earlier matches we lost to Kazakhstan 2 – 1 and won against Albania 3 – 0.
Kazakhstan and Croatia move on to next stage of qualifiers in March 2026.
Folks watch the highlights of this match on YouTube. Unbelievable how we won this match to leave the Dutch in total disbelief.
Wow what a crazy game. First goal for Dutch no idea what the Croatia goalie was doing but he made up for it making multiple big saves. Skafar Zuzic MOM gave the Dutch all kinds of problems winning one penalty and his dribbling 2 players lead to another penalty. Not sure why Bartolovic got a red he could have had a pk as well. Made nice move to get by the Dutch defender then was taken down by another Dutch defender. Not sure if he got the ball first or Bartolovic.
Still a chance to make Pot 1. Slovakia with a bit of luck can pull of a surprise.
You never know a sending off? penalty ? as they say the ball is round anything is possible.
All this could become irrelevant unless we don’t win in Podgorica.
From what I have heard there could be potential heavy rain during the match?
Hopefully the pitch will be in good condition, and the rain stays away?
However, looking at the pots as of today.
The easiest draw would be: Canada, Croatia, Tunisia and Haiti.
Hardest: Spain, Croatia, Norway and Ghana
Are they allowed to put three European teams in the same opening group?
I forgot to add that the #1 priority with heavy rain would be no serious injuries. Croatia can beat Brazil or Argentina, but only with players who are in form.
No, I made a mistake.
Thanks for pointing it out.
No, only two european teams max for each group.
Urugvaj please!
Argentina, Croatia, Norway and Ghana
This is the exact group that I fear, we could be getting! We’d be so cooked if that were to happen to us!
Had a chance at the early draw tickets but passed because they were expensive and I thought Croatia would be pot 1 and possibly have no good opponent. But, being in pot 2 would have changed things and I would have bought some. Too bad!
Would be nicer to make Pot 1, that to cross fingers for a host nation draw from Pot 1.
It would have been nice if we used Faroe Island line up against the Czech, and we have destiny in our hands at this junction.
I believe we would be ranked ahead of Belgium right now had we won the game in Prague.
Well, hopefully Germany messes up. They haven’t been so invincible during this qualifying campaign. Even Luxembourg gave them a run for their money.
But either way, the last minute FIFA change to place the European playoff teams into Pot 2 and Pot 3 helps us a bit.
It would have been terrible to draw a team like Italy, Turkey or Ukraine as a Pot 4 team over the likes of Jordan or Haiti.