Croatia vs. Ukraine: Six qualifiers and a historic friendly

In June 1993 in Zagreb, Croatia hosted Ukraine in tense moments when both countries seeked to emerge on the football maps of Europe after gaining independence. Šuker, Adžić, and Bičanić secured Croatia's victory (3:1), while Husin scored the lone Ukraine goal.

First qualifying matches were soon to come. On the road to EURO 1996 in England, when Miroslav Blažević's Vatreni secured the top spot - defeating Italy in the process - Ukraine arrived to Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb in March 1995. Šuker scored twice, Boban added one, and Prosinečki converted a penalty for a 4:0 victory. The irreplaceable Shevchenko, the current Ukraine manager, made his international debut that day.

Three months later in Kiev, Kalitvintsev found the net to give Ukraine the 1:0 win, that included Gabrić's sending off, and the 1998 World Cup play-off draw paved the way for more qualifying drama.

Croatia, on the way towards the historic bronze medal in the summer of 1998 in France, won the first play-off leg in Zagreb 2:0, due to Bilić and Vlaović strikes. The return leg witnessed an early Shevchenko goal, with this Ukraine lead completely opening things up. However, Bokšić managed to equalize in 27th minute and the Vatreni embarked on an unforgettable journey.

The opportunity to settle the score presented to Ukraine in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Croatia, led by Slaven Bilić, managed a goalless draw in Kharkiv, and took the lead through Petrić in the second minute of the Zagreb encounter. However, Shevchenko and Gai turned things around, with Modrić levelling things up (2:2), but this draw became one of the key outcomes in the final showdown. England secured the World Cup berth, and Ukraine proceeded to the play-off with a one-point advantage over Croatia.

In March 2017, Croatia and Ukraine will thus meet in Zagreb for the eighth time. Ante Čačić's men lead the qualifying Group I with ten points, earned through victories over Kosovo, Finland, and Iceland, and the draw with Turkey. Ukraine visits Maksimir as the second-placed team, with eight points - wins over Kosovo and Finland, and the draws with Iceland and Turkey.

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