Victory over Nigeria
Croatia U-17 in WC second round: "Game approached as a final"
24.10.2015.
Photo by: Getty Images
Croatia U-17 national team reached the World Cup second round after defeating Nigeria in Group A in Chile.
U-17: CROATIA - NIGERIA 2:1 (0:1)
FIFA U-17 World Cup, Group A.
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo.
Referee: W. Lamouroux (Columbia)
Goals: 0:1 - Osimhen (20'), 1:1 - Brekalo (50'), 2:1 - Majić (54')
Yellow cards: Osikel (56')
Croatia: Šemper, Hudećek, Sosa, Kalaica, Soldo, Brekalo, Majić (63' Babić), Moro, Lovren (90' Delić), Ivanušec, Đira (74' Đurasek). Head coach: D. Bašić.
Nigeria: Udoh, Lazarus, Enogela, Zakari, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Nwakali, Agor (76' Michael), Osikel (60' Essien), Ikwu, Ebere (53' Madueke). Head coach: E. Amuneke.
Foto: Getty Images
Croatian youngster secured their FIFA U-17 World Cup second round berth by beating Nigeria in Group A and finishing second.
Foto: Getty Images
Despite a quality start from Croatia, who had more possession and shots on goal, Nigeria took the lead through Osimhen in 20th minute.
Foto: Getty Images
Hitting the post just a couple of minutes earlier, Nigeria striker found an answer in one-on-one situation with Croatia goalkeeper Šemper.
Foto: Getty Images
However, Dario Bašić's men continued to press forward, and were rewarded soon after the restart.
Foto: Getty Images
Croatia captain Moro wiggled through Nigeria's defence in the box in the 50th minute, and sent the ball to Brekalo who found the target. Four minute later, it was again Moro who capitalized on opponent's mistake and made an assist for Majić, who neatly put it past Udoh and made it 2:1.
Foto: Getty Images
Both teams had more chances to score, but Croatia kept its cool and won the match.
Foto: Getty Images
Host nation Chile defeated the United States 4:1 and secured third place, awaiting the completion of group stage to learn its fate.
Foto: Getty Images
Croatia will start the second round in Concepcion, against the second-placed team from Group C (Germany, Mexico, Australia, Argentina), on Thursday, 29 October.
Foto: Getty Images
Group A:
1. Nigeria 6
2. Croatia 5
3. Chile 4
4. USA 1
"I am very proud of my players who played a great match. We approached this game as a final, telling us it was absolutely necessary to win or go home. I believed in my team. It has shown that it can compete with the best teams in the world", said Dario Bašić, Croatia head coach, speaking to FIFA.com after the match.
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