Croatia U-17 Eyes Euro Semi-Finals with Win Over Estonia

The Croatian U-17 national team secured a crucial 3-1 victory over hosts Estonia, keeping their European Championship semi-final aspirations alive. The win sets up a decisive final group match against Spain on May 31.

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We need to show who we are and what we are capable of; this win against Estonia has boosted our confidence. We believe in victory and advancing to the semi-finals.

Qualification scenarios hinge on the outcome of the Spain match and potentially another game. If Belgium defeats Estonia, Croatia must beat Spain by at least two goals to advance based on a tie-breaker. However, if Belgium fails to win, any victory against Spain will suffice for Croatia to reach the semi-finals.

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We scored a goal in the second minute, created several more chances, and that good start allowed us to play more easily.

Nik Škafar Žužić was instrumental in the win against Estonia, scoring twice and earning a penalty. "It feels wonderful, on such a beautiful stadium and with a great atmosphere in the stands, to score goals for your country at the European Championship – it's one of the most beautiful things," Žužić said. He added, "We need to show who we are and what we are capable of; this win against Estonia has boosted our confidence. We believe in victory and advancing to the semi-finals."

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I want to emphasize that this is the first victory for the Croatian U-17 national team at European championships since 2015, which I am truly happy about.

Head coach Marijan Budimir praised his team's performance, noting a significant improvement from their previous match. "We scored a goal in the second minute, created several more chances, and that good start allowed us to play more easily," Budimir stated. He also highlighted the historical significance of the win, marking the first European Championship victory for the Croatian U-17 team since 2015. Looking ahead to Spain, Budimir remained optimistic: "We are playing against a strong Spain that beat Belgium, but as long as there are chances for the semi-finals, we will prepare well and fight. We'll see if it's enough; I hope it is, and I believe that with a little luck, we will be the ones to advance."

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We are playing against a strong Spain that beat Belgium, but as long as there are chances for the semi-finals, we will prepare well and fight. We'll see if it's enough; I hope it is, and I believe that with a little luck, we will be the ones to advance.