Published: 11:31, 22 Nov 2023
Croatia has secured a ticket for the European Championship by winning against Armenia in the final round of the qualification cycle. The victory was not enough to dethrone Turkey in Group D. This win has implications for the Euro draw, in which the Dutch national team could now face reigning European champions Italy.
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If Turkey were to lose to Wales on Tuesday evening and Croatia were to win in Zagreb, then a change at the top of Group D could still occur. Prior to the last round of matches, Croatia had a two-point lead over third-placed Wales, who had the advantage in terms of head-to-head results.
Among the Croatians, Ajax players Josip Sutalo and Borna Sosa had a starting spot, as did Feyenoord's Luka Ivanusec. Zlatko Dalic's team played strongly and posed a significant threat.
Croatia had as many as thirteen attempts at goal in the first half. It was one of the last attempts before the break that paid off. Sosa played a crucial role in this. The Ajax left-back delivered a perfect cross to striker Ante Budimir. The 32-year-old Osasuna forward headed it in, scoring only his second international goal: 1-0.
That goal was enough for the victory against Armenia, but it turned out not to be enough to win the group. Ivanusec played one half for Croatia, while Sutalo and Sosa completed the full ninety minutes.
