Win over Russia needed for quarterfinals

Kazakhstan defeats Croatia in Belgrade

05.02.2016.

Photo by: Getty Images

Croatia national futsal team lost its opening match at UEFA Futsal EURO in Serbia.

KAZAKHSTAN - CROATIA 4:2 (3:1)
UEFA Futsal Euro, Group C.
Arena Beograd, Belgrade

Referees: Ivanov (Ukraine), Kovacs (Hungary)

Goalscorers: 1:0 - Douglas Jr. (6'), 1:1 - Matošević (7'), 2:1 - Suleimenov (7'), 3:1 - Zhamankulov (17'), 4:1 - Zhamankulov (27'), 4:2 - Suton (33')

Yellow cards: Yesenamanov (32'), Suton (35'), Higuita (40')

Kazakhstan: Higuita, Leo, Douglas Jr., Dovgan, Yesenamanov; Shamro, Suleimenov, Pershin, Knaub, Grebonos, Zhamankulov, Pengrin, Taku, Nurgozhin. Head coach: Cacau.

Croatia: Jukić, Grcić, Jelovčić, Marinović, Novak; Bilić, Matošević, Grbeša, Petrović, Babić, Pandurević, Suton, Horvat. Head coach: M. Stanković.

Foto: Getty Images

On Friday, Croatia faced Kazakhstan in UEFA Futsal EURO Group C, but was left empty-handed and has to beat Russia on Sunday to reach quarterfinals stage.

Against the Kazakhs, Croatia went behind in sixth minute, when Douglas Jr. scored following Taku's shot off the woodwork, but responded quickly through Matošević, who punished a defensive mistake.

However, Kazakhstan was even sooner ahead once again, with captain Suleimenov finding a way through Croatia's defence.

In 17th minute, Taku's effort was saved by Jukić, but Zhamankulov was the first on the rebound to make it 3:1 to Kazakhstan at half-time.

Foto: Getty Images

Zhamankulov scored his second in 27th minute with a tap-in, while Croatia then decided to use flying goalkeeper in the final phase.

Of the several chances, only Suton in 33rd minute managed to score (4:2), and Kazakhstan struck the woodwork in search for its fifth goal.

Croatia's encounter with Russia is scheduled on Sunday, kick-off at 18:30 CET.

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