Star-Studded U-21s Thrash San Marino in Euro Qualifier

photo credit: Mario Ćužić / ZNA

A star-studded Croatia U-21 side, which included a handful of full senior internationals, have expectedly thrashed San Marino in Euro qualifier on Wednesday in Šibenik…

Fielding a number of players who have either debuted or been called up by the senior team, including Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Radošević, Mario Pašalić, Marko Pjaca and Alen Halilović, Croatia were too strong for their opponents, winning in a canter 4-0. Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovačić was rested for the match but will play against Spain next week.

Barcelona’s on loan player-maker Halilović opened the scoring for the Croatians in the 12th minute, before Milić doubled the lead just before half-time. Croatia had a number of chances but had to settle for two goals in the second half through Perić and Pjaca.

Croatia top the group with a maximum 12 points and will face Spain on 17 November in Rijeka.

Group 6:
1. CROATIA 12 (4)
2. Sweden 7 (3)
3. Spain 7 (3)
4. Georgia 6 (4)
5. San Marino 1 (5)
6. Estonia 1 (5)

U-21: CROATIA – SAN MARINO 4:0 (2:0)
Euro qualifier, Group 6.
Šibenik.

Goal scorers: 1:0 – Halilović (12′), 2:0 – Milić (44′), 3:0 – Perić (47′), 4:0 – Pjaca (51′)

CROATIA: Livaković, Mikanović (62′ Tudor), Milić, Perić, Ćaleta-Car, Radošević (62′ Brlek), Pašalić, Vlašić, Halilović, Ćorić, Pjaca (76′ Fiolić). Coach: N. Gračan.

SAN MARINO: Benedettini, Proli, Battistini, Cesarini, Grandoni, Zafferani (61′ Ceccaroli), D’Addario, Censoni, Golinucci (52′ Francini), Bernardi, Tomassini (83′ Raschi). Coach: M. Papini.