• FOOTBALL

    CROATIA U17 BOWS OUT OF WORLD CUP ON PENALTIES

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    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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