U-17: CROATIA - GERMANY 2:0 (1:0)
FIFA U-17 World Cup Round of 16.
Estadio Municipal Ester Roa, Concepcion.
Referee: M. Strombergsson (Sweden)
Goals: 1:0 - Moro (18'), 2:0 - Lovren (90+1')
Yellow cards: Đira (14'), Dorsch (71'), Frommann (90+6')
Croatia: Šemper, Sosa, Soldo, Kalaica, Hudećek, Ivanušec, Đira (57' Đurasek), Brekalo, Moro (68' Pasariček), Majić (86' Delić), Lovren. Head coach: D. Bašić.
Germany: Frommann, Passlack, Gul, Karakas, Abu Hanna, Dorsch (75' Burnić), Eggestein, Schmidt, Nesseler (68' Köhlert), Özcan, Janelt (79' Saglam). Head coach: C. Wück.
foto: Getty Images
Dario Bašić's men achieved another great result at FIFA World Cup in Chile, beating European Championships runner-up Germany to reach the quarterfinal stage.
foto: Getty Images
Croatia took the lead in 18th minute, when captain Moro found the net from close range soon after Brekalo hit the post. Goalie Šemper then produced a couple of impressive saves to keep Croatia a goal up at the break.
foto: Getty Images
Šemper kept his cool at the beginning of the second half as well, and at the other side Sosa and Đurasek failed to convert golden opportunities. However, in the first minute od added time, Delić found Lovren for an easy tap-in and Croatian celebrations could begin.
foto: Getty Images
"We have managed to defeat the strongest opponent this generation has ever had. Germany is a quality, disciplined and very organized team, but our players have reacted in the best possible way. They did exactly what we have agreed", said Croatia head coach Bašić after the match speaking to hns-cff.hr.
foto: Getty Images
"In certain stages of the match we had problems with German strikers, but I have to praise my entire team. It was a team effort, and I am especially glad that we were smart in both attack and defence", he continued.
"We are overjoyed, this is a great victory. Our effort is being paid off, yet we have to stay calm since we are up against another tough opponent in the quarterfinals. We shall prepare well once again, give our best and present Croatia the best we can", concluded Bašić.
Croatia will play African champions Mali on 1 November in Chillan.
