The Croatian U-21 national team won against Andorra in the qualifying match for the European Championship 2025. The coach, Ivica Olić, is satisfied with the game and emphasizes that Andorra was not to be underestimated, as was noted before the game.
As we expected, the first half was quite difficult. Andorra defended with all 10 players and they mainly focused on defense and that kept them, and the result. In my opinion, we were a bit slow in the first half and quite we forced one side. We didn’t turn sides where we would have gotten more space and maybe two or three more chances. In the first half, we agreed that with the two changes we made right away, we would try to play faster and we were looking for more of those crosses from half-distance, considering to the fact that we had Belja at 16, who practically had every long ball under control or on it. Considering his height and their deficit there, he was quite dominant there, and that’s how we scored a goal from a cross and then everything was easier. The game opened up, Šoticek had a chance before he assisted Hodža on the goal. The match went as we expected, and the ideal scenario would be if we opened it with an early goal. It would certainly be different, but the most important thing is that these three points were also recorded on the field, considering that everyone in the announcements, as well as the fans, saw these three points before the game was played. Those games are the most difficult for both the players and us coaches to score those three points on the field, considering the importance, and for the last game to get into a situation where we can be second
On Tuesday, the game against Greece follows.
It will certainly be a different match where there will be more space. Considering the situation in Greece, they will try to do more in attack because today Andorra did not have any forward goals. It is a much better team where we will have to be much better, much faster and stronger in the duel. I hope that in these three days we will rest well and prepare even better for that match
On October 15, Croatia will host Greece in a direct duel for second place in Koprivnica at 6 pm.
The scorer of the first goal, Dion Beljo, also analyzed the match against Andorra.
It was certainly not an easy match. The opponent stood in a fairly low block with five behind, and that is always difficult to break through. They were quite aggressive, they ran a lot and maybe it was a bit harder obstacle than we expected, but in the end three point, what is most important to us and we move on. I found myself at the second goal post completely alone, with a bit of luck the ball came to me. Soldo transferred it beautifully, and I just went as hard as possible into the goal so that the goalkeeper could not react, luckily the ball went in
He adds that the result could have been higher, but the important thing is that three points were scored.
Against such opponents it is important to score the first goal as soon as possible and after that everything is easier, and we gain additional confidence and it is much easier to play. Each player can take more responsibility and then we really started to play better. There were more chances and we could more to finish, but at the end it’s 2:0 and we’re happy with the victory. We have an extremely high-quality team and a lot of players who play in serious leagues, so there is definitely room for improvement, but in these kinds of matches the most important thing is to get three points in any way and eventually qualify for the Euro. We know what opponent is waiting for us, we play on our field, we are not afraid of anyone and everything is in our hands and feet. If we are right, we will qualify for the Euros
He also praised the support from the bleachers.
It’s nice to see that the stadiums are always full and that there are people at the matches, the atmosphere is immediately better and it’s nicer to play in front of the crowd
He touched on his form and added that there is always room for improvement.
I came to a club where I finally got the chance to play, we have a lot of games, so I’m satisfied with my form. It could have been better, but I believe that I will only go up. Last season, I didn’t have any minutes, but I believe that from the game in match better and that I can help my team more and more
SOURCE: Croatian Football Federation
