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    • FUTSAL

    PORTUGAL HIT FIVE PAST CROATIA IN FUTSAL FRIENDLY

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    The Croatia national futsal team suffered a heavy 5–0 defeat to Portugal in the first of two friendly matches in Vila do Conde, which serves as an initial test of form ahead of the European Championship early next year. Against the reigning world and European futsal powerhouse, Marinko Mavrović’s men were unable to match the hosts’ high tempo and individual quality.

    The Portuguese effectively decided the match in the first half. After an opening phase of feeling each other out, Pauleta broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, and by half-time Coelho and Maior had both found the net in the 15th minute, leaving Croatia with a significant deficit to chase against a side that rarely lets a lead slip.

    The second half brought no turnaround. The hosts continued to apply pressure with an aggressive high press and quick rotations, and Santos in the 21st and Ferreira in the 31st minute made it 5–0. Croatia had spells of good play, a few dangerous breaks forward and several long-range attempts, but they lacked composure in the final third and concentration in key defensive moments.

    During the match, Mavrović took the opportunity to rotate his line-up and give playing time to a larger number of players, aware that games like this are invaluable experience ahead of the Euros. In Vila do Conde, Portugal, Croatia lined up with: Piplica, Gudasić, Jelovčić, Čekol, Perić, Barbalić, Jurlina, Hrstić, Sušac, Kuraja and Sekulić – a blend of experienced core players and those who are only just establishing themselves at the highest level.

    Despite the heavy defeat, the coaching staff can draw important lessons. A clash with one of the best teams in the world clearly highlighted the areas in which Croatia must raise their level – above all in defensive transition, reactions after losing the ball, and taking the few chances that arise against such a strong opponent. At the same time, the match confirmed that Croatia has both potential and depth, but also that competing on equal terms with the elite requires maximum concentration for the full 40 minutes.

    The team will very soon have a chance to make amends – a new friendly against Portugal is scheduled for Monday, 22 September at 20:45, with live television coverage on MaxSport 2. It will be an ideal opportunity for Croatia to show a reaction, correct the mistakes from the first match and try to leave a better impression against the same opponent, thus stepping with more confidence into the final phase of preparations for the European Championship.

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