MATCHES IN KARLOVAC

Croatia defeat Italy with ten players in opening qualifying tournament match

13.03.2026.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

The Croatian national team defeated Italy 2–1 in the opening match of the European Championship qualifying tournament, played at the Branko Čavlović-Čavlek Stadium in Karlovac.

CROATIA - ITALY 2:1

Stadium: Branko Čavlović-Čavlek (Karlovac)

Referee: Eirini Pingiou (Grčka)

Goalscorers: Bubica 10’ (1:0), Popić 15’ (2:0), Ciurleo 45’+3 (2:1)

Yellow cards: Sterner 26’, Messa 35’, Buljat 40’, 44’, Ciurleo 45’+3, Čikvar 70’, Rabar 83’. Forney 83’, Oddina 90’+3

Croatia started the match strongly and took the lead in the 10th minute when Graciela Bubica scored for 1–0. Just five minutes later, Lana Popić doubled Croatia’s advantage and made it 2–0.

Before the end of the first half, Ivona Buljat received her second yellow card (40’, 44’) and was sent off, which meant Croatia had to play the entire second half with one player fewer.

Italy managed to reduce the deficit in first-half stoppage time, when Ciurleo scored in the 45’+3 minute for 2–1.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Croatian team showed great discipline and fighting spirit in the second half and managed to hold on to their lead to secure an important victory.

Schedule:

16 March, 12:00 (Karlovac)
England – Croatia

19 March, 12:00 (Karlovac)
Turkey – Croatia

The League A group winners will qualify for the final tournament in Northern Ireland, where they will be joined by the host nation. The final tournament will take place from 4 to 17 May 2026, while the draw is scheduled for 25 March 2026.

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