Croatia convincing against Malta in the second friendly match

The team led by coach Nenad Gračan achieved a win in the second of two friendly matches in Malta, recording a convincing 0–3 triumph.

Maja Joščak put Croatia in the lead in the 42nd minute, and Ivana Rudelić doubled the advantage immediately after the break in the 48th minute. Karla Kurkutović scored the final 0–3 in the 75th minute.

Croatia played with the following lineup: Bačić (Ristovski 85’), Orkić (Mikulica 85’), Jelenčić, Vunić (Nevrkla 80’), Vračević (Vlastelica 80’), Joščak (Slipčević 75’), Rudelić (Vidović 70’), Spajić (Stambolić 85’), Čanjevac (Lojna 85’), Kurkutović (Ljuština 85’), Živković.

Despite the defeat in the first match against Malta (3–2), which was full of comebacks, this time Croatia showed its quality, which especially pleased the coach.

“I congratulate our girls, they really played both matches very well. Even though we didn’t win the first one, I would say it was a series of unfortunate circumstances, but today we showed our quality. I’m happy to see the arrival of young players — we are going through a generational change, and everyone here wants to play. We will continue on this path. A deserved victory, and we didn’t allow Malta a single chance to threaten us. We had many more opportunities, but we should be satisfied with 3–0”, said coach Gračan.

One of the goal scorers, Karla Kurkutović, netted her fifth goal in the last four matches for the senior national team.

“I want to thank the coach and the staff for their trust. I’m always happy when the team plays well and wins, and if I can help with goals and assists, that makes me even happier. I’m satisfied with our performance; we trained well and prepared for these matches. Our shared goal is to return to Group B, where we belong”, emphasized Kurkutović.

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