Croatia beats Slovenia to reach UEFA Under-17 Euro

Croatia’s starting XI against Slovenia (Photo: HNS)

The Croatian U-17 national team has defeated Slovenia (2:1) in the last match in Group 7 of the elite qualifying round, to top the group and qualify for the UEFA Under-17 Euro 2023.

Robert Jarni’s team celebrated the victory thanks to the goals from Marko Zebić (54′) and Leo Rimac (57′), which gave Croatia a handy lead. Sojer (84′) pulled one back for Slovenia but it was too little too late. 

“This was a really demanding group, but Croatia was improving with every match, and team spirit was fantastic. The results simply had to come. We stood shoulder to shoulder, and we will try as hard at the U-17 Euro,” said Jarni.

The chief instructor of the Croatian Football Federation, Petar Krpan, was also at the match.

“I congratulate the coach and the boys on qualifying for the European Championship. I am glad that I was able to witness this really great result that we have achieved, this is another proof of systematic work and our selection process, I believe that we will be very competitive at the Euros,” said Krpan.

The UEFA Under-17 Euro 2023 will be held in Hungary from 17 May – 2 June. The draw will be made on 3 April. 

SLOVENIA 1-2 CROATIA 

Scorers: 0:1 Zebić (54’), 0:2 Rimac (57’), 1:2 Sojer (84’)

SLOVENIA: Trivunčević, Kerin, Golič, Bohinc, Sojer, Jelen, Bendra, Hrvatin (46’ Kahvedžić), Topalović, Pejičić (46’ Bakšič), Jakupović (65’ Kutoš).

CROATIA: Hlapčić, Zebić, Skelin (65’ Sopić), Puljić, Sušak, Levak (80’ Fridl), Kujundžić, Baković, Skoko (65’ Miljak), Majić (65’ Ćalušić), Rimac (75’ Utrobičić).