Young Vatreni draw 2-2 with Ireland in final summer friendly

The Croatian U-21 national football team concluded their summer friendly matches with a 2-2 draw against Ireland in Vrbovec. The young Vatreni, managed by Ivica Olić, showcased a competitive spirit but ultimately could not secure a victory in their final tune-up game.

Croatia started brightly, taking the lead in the 6th minute. A penalty, awarded after Stjepan Davidović's run down the left flank and a foul on Adrian Jagušić, was confidently converted by Luka Vrbančić. However, Ireland responded in the 19th minute, with Curtis finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.

The second half saw Croatia regain the advantage in the 75th minute, this time through an own goal by Ireland's captain, Grehan. Despite the setback, Grehan proved to be a pivotal figure, scoring his second goal of the match in the 81st minute to secure the 2-2 draw for Ireland. The Croatian lineup featured Pavlešić (Vukman 46’), Krušelj, Lesjak, Barzić (Mažar 70’), Vujević, Vrbančić (Canjuga 46’), Jagušić, Kardum (Korač 46’), Zvonarek (Sušak 46’), Čaić, and Davidović.

This match followed two previous encounters for the Croatian U-21 team in this cycle: a 1-1 draw against Greece in Koprivnica and a 2-0 victory over Qatar's U-23 team in Križevci. The team's performance in these friendlies provides valuable experience as they prepare for future competitions.