An upset in Belgium
Croatia takes a historic point against Spain
29.01.2014.
Photo by: UEFA / Sportsfile
In its first match at the UEFA Futsal Euro 2014, Croatia secured a draw against the defending champions Spain, after leading at half-time and Capar's equalizer two and a half minutes before the final whistle.
EURO 2014, Group D.
Lotto Arena, Antwerp, Belgium.
Referees: Lemal (Belgium) and Farkas (Hungary)
Goalscorers: 0:1 - Babić (10'), 1:1 - Aicardo (16'), 1:2 - Jelovčić (18'), 2:2 - Lin (27'), 3:2 - Lin (28'), 3:3 - Capar (38')
Yellow cards: -
Spain: Rafa, Ortiz, Aicardo, Rafael Usin, Raul Campos; Jesus Herrero, Juanjo, Jose Ruiz, Torras, Fernandao, Pola, Miguelin, Lozano, Lin. Head coach: J. V. Lopez.
Croatia: Jukić, Novak, Jelovčić, Marinović, Suton; Stojkić, Capar, Grbeša, Protega, Matošević, Duvančić, Pavić, Babić. Head coach: M. Stanković.
Croatian national futsal team opened the UEFA Futsal EURO Group D with a draw against the favourites, the European champions Spain, thanks to a fantastic performance.
As expected, Spain had more of the possession and Croatian goalkeeper Jukić was called to action, but Stanković's men were often in brave counterattack, especially through Marinović, and they took the lead in tenth minute. Babić reacted quickly in front of Rafa and put the ball in the net.
The equalizer came in the 16th minute, after the set piece and Ortiz' assist for Aicardo, who found the net from the distance. However, Croatia continued to surge forward when possible and two minutes later Marinović found Jelovčić, who placed the ball in the far corner and Croatia led 2:1 at half-time.
Spaniards hit the post twice in the opening minutes of the second half, and turned the tide in a very short period of time, with a brace from Lin.
Going 3:2, Croatia decided to take a chance with a flying goalkeeper, with Capar in that role, and it was Capar who scored in the 38th minute and secured a point. In the final seconds, Spain hit the bar, but Croatian defence was holding firm.
On Friday, Croatia will play Czech Republic, and victory means progress in the competition, to the quarterfinal stage.
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