Josip Brekalo, Nikola Vlašić, Alen Halilović and Duje Ćaleta-Car got the job done in Pula Friday evening, beating an undefeated Greece U-21 side to take control of Group A in Euro 2019 qualifying. In the 41st minute, Vlašić would turn and shoot just inside the box to have his shot deflected into the back of the net. The goal was counted as an ‘own goal’ but it was a great individual effort by the CSKA Moscow man on the play.
Greece wouldn’t help themselves in the second half as Dimitrios Nikolaou was sent off in the 61st minute; putting the Greeks down to ten men. Croatia controlled this match start to finish and capped off the 2-0 victory with a late extra time insurance goal when Wolfsburg striker Josip Brekalo danced past his Greek defenders on the endline and fired up and away in the 94th minute.
The Mladi Vatreni now only need a win over minnows San Marino on Monday to lock up top spot in the group and qualify automatically for next summer’s 12-team tournament. If Croatia can finish top-four at Euro 2019, they will also earn a 2020 Olympics berth; something Croatia has never played in.
Vlašić Shot Goes In For An Own Goal
They had a lot of luck.
Terrific result!
I was only able to catch the 2nd half; Sosa, Brekalo, and Vlasic have some major chemistry on the left side. Our other CM Luka Ivanusec impressed me as well. Ivan Sunjic didn’t get on the ball enough especially in the build up play which was disappointing but he did win the ball back several times. He did miss a pass to Brekalo on an open run. Halilovic looked slow and out of shape. Still clearly has the talent though. Benkovic and Caleta-Car won pretty ever duel. Both are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We looked a bit weak on the counter but Posavec was able to control every shot at him. Our CF Marin Jakolis looked decent as well.
Great result but not an easy game.
Goalkeeper Posavec (Hajduk) for me the man of the man. He saved us big time.
Brekalo, Halilovic and Vlasic showed their class…by occasions. At the end, they made the difference.
I still believe in Halilovic. Give him a coach who believes in him and he could go far.
Also liked Ivan Sunjic. What a fighter. He proved to be a real pitbull on the pitch today. The guy has the work rate of Mandzukic.
Brekalo!!!!
Did one of us get a red card?
Vlasic with the goal! Might be ruled as an own goal in the end though. Big deflection.
HNTV, good stream.
Anyone have a link to the U21 game?
Read somewhere last night that Lovro Majer has had injury problems and eventually had to have surgery. He is expected back in two months. Imagine this team with a healthy Majer and Moro. Then through in Balic and Coric!
Throw in a vetran CF, CDM, and RB and this team could be deadly in the Olympics.
This is the important game! This one’s more important than the engerand Vatreni game – but still not as important as Coric’s next match
😉