Croatian women football players failed to maintain consistency in the game. Although she supposedly took the lead with a goal in the early minutes, the moves from the second half were not organized enough to expand the advantage further, and then there was an own goal that decided the game.

The 4:0 defeat in the previous match in Albania further affected the mood; today, that negative energy has dominated again. Head coach Nenad Gračan (according to one of the published comments) pointed out that the big challenge is not only the tactics but also the psychological aspect of the game since a long-term series of failures leaves a mark on the players.

Considering that the Croatian team has already failed to express itself several times in key moments, it is necessary to change the approach on the field. The coach is expected to try to change the lineup or tactics in the upcoming matches, especially against the Czech Republic or Ukraine (depending on the schedule), to reduce weakness in defense and increase proactivity in attack.

The current results indicate that Croatian women have practically secured relegation to the lowest tier of the UEFA Nations League (League C), considering the goal difference and the lack of points. The national teams of Ukraine (with nine points), Albania, and the Czech Republic (with six points each) are ahead of them.

Although fighting to change the situation is still theoretically possible, the players must improve and mentally prepare for the next matches. Above all, the positive aspects are professionalism and the will to fight, which should be used again. However, the inconsistency in the performance on the field shows profound tactical and psychological weaknesses that must be addressed.

Today’s match was another signal that Croatian female soccer players must reconsider their approach—tactically and psychologically. Historically, a long streak without a win (the last win was recorded almost a year ago) makes the situation even more complicated, and an immediate turnaround in mood and game is necessary. If concrete changes are not undertaken, the prospect of promotion to a higher League of Nations is very weak.

Investing in women’s club football as a foundation for the national team

Whether the Croatian women’s national team should have a solid foundation in the Croatian women’s league opens a complex and multidimensional debate concerning the development of women’s football in Croatia.

A strong and competitive domestic league allows for the continuous development of young players. When the national team draws players from a quality competitive environment, their talent is more likely to be discovered and nurtured in a timely manner.

Players who regularly train and perform in the domestic league can develop a common identity and style of play, which facilitates the cohesion of the national team. Frequent club meetings create “tradition” and standards transferred to the national team level.

If the domestic league is not sufficiently competitive or financially supported, the best talents may still go abroad. In that case, the national team, despite the number of players playing in Croatia, could suffer due to the insufficient competitive environment.

Challenges such as a lack of media support, limited budget, infrastructure, and coaching skills must be systematically addressed to make the league more attractive and competitive.

Some argue that big men’s football clubs should invest more in their women’s teams. Securing the surface through joint resources can be a helpful model. If Croatian clubs actively cooperate with the national team, this can result in more significant financial investments, better infrastructure, and promote women’s football at all levels.

A good base in the domestic league allows for greater media recognition, which can attract additional sponsors and increase public interest. This creates a positive spiral in which a stronger league contributes to the development of the national team, and the national team’s successes stimulate additional investments in the domestic league.

In Croatia, as in many other countries, women’s football often suffers from lower investments than men’s football. If long-term institutional support is not provided, even the best idea of a more substantial foundation cannot be realized without adequate financial and administrative resources.

For success at the national team level, the players must be exposed to the game at a high standard, not only in the domestic league but also in international competitions. This means that, although the base is important, an incentive should be provided for the players to compete in foreign leagues where they can meet the strongest competitors.

Players who regularly play against each other in the domestic league have the opportunity to develop team chemistry and understanding, which is crucial at the national team level. This allows the coach to implement tactical settings and adjust the strategy more efficiently.

Regular competition and constant exposure to top matches in the domestic league can help female players cope more easily with the pressure when representing the country. The existence of a stable platform in the domestic league gives a sense of belonging and support, which can be crucial in difficult moments of a national team career.

Without a solid foundation, the national team can be muted and dependent on female players who compete exclusively abroad, creating a fragmented system with different playing styles and less tactical cohesion.

Suppose the domestic league does not provide a sufficiently high-quality competitive environment. In that case, the best talents may decide to go to foreign leagues, which may reduce the potential for developing the local national team in the long run.

In the end …

A solid base in the Croatian women’s league is a key element for the successful development of the national team. Such integration would enable better coordination of tactical and technical elements, facilitate the process of talent discovery and development, and provide stable financial and institutional support. However, achieving this goal requires joint efforts – from investment by government bodies, men’s clubs, sponsors, and the media to strategic planning and continuous support at all levels of football infrastructure.

Ultimately, the national team’s success requires the systematic development of the domestic league, which would result in long-term success at international competitions and promote women’s football in Croatia as a whole.