• FOOTBALL

    CROATIA’S EPIC COMEBACK VICTORY OVER MONTENEGRO

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    Zlatko Dalić’s Vatreni sealed World Cup 2026 qualification with a thrilling 3:2 comeback win against Montenegro in Podgorica, capping the most successful qualifying campaign in history (7 wins, one draw).​

    Montenegro 2:3 Croatia (2:1) at Gradski Stadion (ref U. Meler): Osmajić (3′), Krstović (17′) shocked early; Perišić penalty (37′) sparked rally, Jakić equalized (73′ off Musa’s post), Vlašić winner (87′ rocket). Cards: Pašalić (29′), Lončar (31′), Rubežić (37′), Osmajić (70′). Montenegro: Nikić; Marušić, Rubežić (Perović 46′), Tući, Vešović (Šipčić 78′), Osmajić, Lončar (Adžić 62′), Bulatović (Brnović 78′), Janković, Krstović, Jovetić (Vukotić 62′). Croatia: Livaković; Gvardiol (Stanišić 46′), Ćaleta-Car (Pongračić 46′), Šutalo, Jakić, Moro, Pašalić, Vlašić, Perišić (Modrić 78′), Ivanović (Kramarić 55′), Matanović (Musa 59′).​

    Croatia topped with 22 points (+6 over Czechia): 1. Croatia 22, 2. Czechia 16, 3. Faroe Islands 12, 4. Montenegro 9, 5. Gibraltar 0.​

    “Congrats to the boys on a great match and win, but also Montenegro, who started aggressively – our two errors gave them 2:0, but we fought back with character despite first-half defending mistakes. Fair play from both sides,” said Dalić. “Expected strong Montenegro resistance with the new coach’s vision; they play beautifully with top talents. We’re delighted to show quality.”

    HNS president Marijan Kustić presented special #150 jersey post-match: “Congrats on best qualifiers ever; hope you hit another milestone.” Perišić: “Thanks for the video, and after this tough start, we turned it around. Beautiful to celebrate this with the team – honor to be part of this family.”

    Dalić’s men end perfectly – Perišić legend (150 caps), Jakić clutch, Vlašić decider. 

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