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FOOTBALL

CROATIA U17 BOWS OUT OF WORLD CUP ON PENALTIES

Croatia U-17 national team ended their World Cup campaign in Qatar with a penalty shootout loss to Uzbekistan after a 1:1 draw in the round of 32 at Aspire Zone (Pitch 9).

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 24th minute when Hasanov headed past Matej Grahovac from Sodikov’s cross. Croatia ramped up pressure in the second half; after Andrija Burcar’s free-kick in the 75th, an equalizer came in the 80th – Burcar crosses, Gabrijel Šivalec heads on, Tino Kusanović taps in from close range for his third tournament goal.

With no further goals, penalties decided: Croatia’s Pajsar (miss), Šivalec (goal), Kumar (miss), Kusanović (goal), Vojvodić (goal) vs Uzbekistan’s 4:3 success. Substitute keeper Rustamjonov became Uzbekistan’s hero with key saves, advancing them to face Italy in the last 16.

Croatia: Grahovac – Pajsar, Kumar, Jakirović, Kostelac – Slišković (46′ Vojvodić), Smiljanić – Radoš (46′ N. Horvat), Benkotić (46′ Burcar), P. Horvat (77′ Šivalec) – Kusanović. Cautious start with Grahovac’s strong saves, Croatia dominated late but lacked finishing to avoid the shootout.

Young Vatreni exited the group stage with a strong record (2 wins, one draw) and a narrow knockout loss, spotlighting talents like Kusanović, Grahovac, and Burcar. 

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