FAROE ISLANDS – CROATIA 0:1 (Kramarić 31′)
Faroe Islands: Lamhauge – O. Faerø, G. Vatnhamar, A. Edmundsson – Danielsen, Hendriksson, J. Andreasen, V. Davidsen – Ar. Frederiksberg, M. Olsen, Sørensen
Croatia: Livaković – Jakić, Pongračić, Ćaleta-Car, Sosa – P. Sučić, Mario Pašalić – Baturina, Kramarić, Fruk – Budimir

The Croatian national football team played a crucial match against the Faroe Islands in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. At the Tórsvøllur stadium in Torshavn, Croatia was the favorite, but the Faroe Islands immediately threatened with a goal in the fifth minute after a quick counterattack. The home player Hanus Sørensen went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Dominik Livaković made a great save, preventing an upset and showing his class despite recent problems with playing time at his club.

At halftime, Croatia led 1-0, with captain Andrej Kramarić scoring the only goal in the 31st minute. Kramarić headed in a cross from Kristijan Jakić, assisted by Ante Budimir, marking his 35th goal for the national team and bringing him closer to Ivan Perišić on the all-time scorers list. Croatia dominated the match, controlling possession and creating numerous chances, while the Faroe Islands, although dangerous on several counterattacks, struggled to convert them.

Coach Zlatko Dalić opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with debutant Toni Fruk on the left wing. Lovro Majer was out due to injury and was replaced by Martin Baturina. Luka Modrić did not start but was expected to come off the bench. Despite the cold conditions and artificial turf, the Croatian team showed stability and is looking to continue its winning streak in the qualifiers.

This victory is an essential step toward securing Croatia’s place at the World Cup, following convincing wins against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic with a significant goal difference (12:1) and dominance in the group. The Faroe Islands, although statistically and geographically a small opponent, proved they are not harmless and, by defending big chances, made it clear that they must be taken seriously.

In the second half, Croatia continued to dominate possession with about 71% of the ball but faced persistent pressure from the Faroe Islands. The Croatian team made tactical substitutions, with Franjo Ivanović and Ivan Perišić coming on to replace Ante Budimir and Borna Sosa. Luka Modrić also entered the game, making his 189th appearance for Croatia, replacing Martin Baturina.

Despite the pressure from the hosts, Croatia managed to maintain control, with goalkeeper Dominik Livaković making several vital saves to keep the clean sheet. The Faroe Islands increased their attacking efforts late in the game, but the Croatian defense held firm.

The match concluded 1:0 in favor of Croatia, with Andrej Kramarić’s early goal in the 31st minute remaining the decisive strike. Croatia successfully secured three valuable points in harsh, cold conditions on artificial turf, preparing now for their next qualifier against Montenegro at Maksimir Stadium.

Overall, the second half showed Croatia’s resilience under pressure, effective game management through key substitutions, and strong defensive work to ensure a win away from home.

In short, the match confirmed Croatia’s quality and solid approach, highlighted by Livaković’s excellent performance in goal and Kramarić’s crucial goal, which ultimately led the team to a 1-0 victory in demanding conditions in northern Europe.