Not easy to score

Croatia reaches quarterfinals, Bašić: "A major victory"

09.05.2015.

Photo by: UEFA / Sportsfile

A lone Lovren's goal was enough to put Croatia in the second round of the European Championships, with head coach Dario Bašić giving his opinion.

U-17: CROATIA - AUSTRIA 1:0 (0:0)
EURO 2015, Group A.
Sozopol, Bulgaria.

Referee: D. Muntean (Moldova)

Goalscorers: 1:0 - Lovren (52')

Yellow cards: Filip (49'), Lovrić (55'), Hautzinger (79')

Croatia: Šemper, Hudećek, Sosa, Erlić (34' Gjira), Kalaica, Soldo, Brekalo, Đurasek, Moro, Lovren (66' Babić), Majić (80+1' Blečić). Head coach: D. Bašić.

Austria: Ehmann, Sahanek (75' Danso), Heilmann, Prirsch, Ramadani (68' Oppong), Omerović, Wöber, Lovrić, Jakupović (63' Hautzinger), Filip, Schmidt. Head coach: M. Zsak.

Croatia U-17 is the first team to reach the EURO 2015 quarterfinals stage, after defeating Austria 1:0 in Sozopol.

The only goal of the game was scored by Croatia striker Lovren in 52nd minute, who found the net on the rebound, following Brekalo and Đurasek efforts.

Dario Bašić's men will therefore have a chance to reach the World Cup as well, and in their third match in Group Croatia U-17 will play Spain, on Tuesday.

"This is a major, very important victory. Both teams were under pressure, with Austria playing well in defence, and having a couple of players to threaten us in attack. However, I still think that we could have won the game in the first half, since we had better chances. When two very organized teams meet, like they did today, it is not easy to score", said Croatia head coach Bašić.

"This result really gives us a lot of joy, especially due to the fact that we have not conceded a single goal in the Elite Round or the first two games at the European championship. Kalaica is back after injury, we need the rest of the team in good health as well. Erlić injured his shoulder, we'll see how quickly he can recover", he added.

Croatia now awaits its quarterfinal opponent and prepares for the match against Spain.

"There are no easy options in the second round. All the teams are close in terms of quality, but I am pleased that we have a good squad. We'll see who is tired, who is injured, and I believe we have solutions for Spain too", concluded Bašić.

Group A:
1. Croatia 6 (2)
2. Spain 1 (1)
3. Austria 1 (2)
4. Bulgaria 0 (1)

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