The Croatian national team’s victory attracted a lot of attention in the region
The Croatian national football team registered its second victory in the L group of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, after outclassing the Czech Republic 5-1 (1-0) at Osijek’s Opus Arena.
After easily overcoming Gibraltar with a convincing 7-0, the Croatian national team achieved another convincing victory in Osijek, outclassing the Czechs with a 5-1 score, thus taking an important step towards qualifying for the World Cup, which will be held next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Croatia took the lead in the 43rd minute with a goal from Andrej Kramarić , and Tomaš Souček equalized in the 58th minute after a corner kick. But Croatia then scored four goals in the space of 17 minutes. Luka Modrić returned Croatia to the lead with a penalty goal in the 63rd minute, the “Fiery” came a step closer to victory in the 70th minute with a goal from Ivan Perišić , and all doubts were resolved by Ante Budimir converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute for 4-1. Andrej Kramarić concluded the scoring with his second goal of the match in the 75th minute.
The match was also followed in our neighborhood, and the regional media after it praised the chosen one Zlatko Dalić .
“Croats knocked out the Czechs with a ‘firecracker’ for another step towards the World Cup,” writes Serbian B92, and another portal from Serbia , Kurir, has this headline:
“CROATS TAKE A HUGE STEP TOWARDS THE WORLD CUP! They beat the Czechs by five points”
“Well, this is how football is played! Croatia gave Serbia the recipe and packed 5 pieces against a strong opponent in the fight for the World Cup!”, Telegraf announced.
“Demolishing the Czech Republic in Osijek, the Vatreni counted to five and announced their way to the World Cup!”, writes Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sporsport.ba, and the headline on klix.ba reads:
“Unstoppable Croatians score five goals against Czech Republic and maintain 100% performance in qualifying”