LITHUANIA : Macenis, Spietinis, Voskunović, Zagurskas, Reimaris, Noreika, Raštutis, Cinikas, Grochackij, Bučma, Rusteika, Stalmokas, Petravičius, Osauskas.
CROATIA: Rozga, Vukmir, Jelovčić, Mataja, Lima, Piplica, Gudasić, Kustura, Barbarić, Perić, Jurlina, Hrstić, Kuraja, Sekulić.
Croatia's men's national futsal team have strengthened their position in World Cup qualification after defeating Lithuania 3–1 at Jonava Arena, securing six points from their opening two matches. The result was another important achievement for head coach Marinko Mavrović and his players, who entered the qualifying campaign with increased expectations following their historic bronze medal at UEFA Futsal Euro 2026.
Vitor Hugo de Lima da Silva gave Croatia an ideal start with a goal in the third minute, allowing the visitors to establish an early advantage. David Mataja doubled the lead shortly after the interval, before Lithuania responded through Paulius Osauskas. The hosts subsequently threatened to equalise, but Josip Jurlina restored Croatia's two-goal advantage in the 33rd minute and effectively settled the contest.
Although the final score suggested a relatively comfortable victory, Lithuania presented a more demanding challenge than Croatia might have anticipated. The home team defended with determination, created several promising opportunities and continued competing after falling two goals behind. Nevertheless, Croatia demonstrated sufficient experience and composure to preserve their advantage and complete another successful international outing.
Lima Gives Croatia an Early Advantage
Croatia approached the encounter determined to build on their narrow 3–2 victory over Germany in Rijeka, where goals from Niko Vukmir, Lima and Marko Kuraja had secured three important points. Against Lithuania, Mavrović's team aimed to demonstrate greater consistency and avoid the defensive difficulties that had complicated the closing stages of their previous match.
The visitors immediately established an attacking rhythm and were rewarded in the third minute. Following an excellent pass from Kuraja, Lima found space on the left side and sent a precise effort into the far corner, giving Croatia a 1–0 lead.
The early breakthrough provided confidence, but Lithuania refused to surrender control of the match. The hosts gradually improved their organisation and attempted to create opportunities through direct attacking movements. Croatia remained dangerous, however, with Franco Jelovčić, Antonio Sekulić and Duje Kustura contributing to the team's attacking combinations.
Lithuanian goalkeeper Ernestas Macenis became an important figure during the opening period, producing several interventions to prevent Croatia from extending their advantage. The visitors created further opportunities through Jelovčić, Sekulić and Luka Perić, but were unable to find a second goal before half-time.
As a result, Croatia entered the interval leading just 1–0, despite demonstrating greater attacking quality. The narrow advantage meant that Mavrović's players needed to maintain their concentration, particularly against opponents who were increasingly confident in possession.
Mataja and Jurlina Secure the Three Points
Croatia began the second half with renewed attacking intensity and doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. Jelovčić initiated the move from the right, finding Lima on the opposite side. The opening goalscorer then delivered the ball towards David Mataja, who finished from close range to make it 2–0.
The goal appeared to place Croatia firmly in control, but Lithuania responded with greater urgency. The hosts began pushing forward more aggressively and found their reward in the 28th minute when Paulius Osauskas scored to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
Osauskas' goal transformed the atmosphere inside Jonava Arena and briefly threatened to disrupt Croatia's plans. Lithuania continued attacking and struck the woodwork shortly afterwards, coming close to completing a remarkable comeback.
That opportunity proved to be an important turning point. Rather than allowing the hosts to equalise, Croatia regained their composure and produced another decisive attacking move.
Josip Jurlina scored in the 33rd minute, restoring the two-goal advantage and reducing the pressure on the visitors. The goal rewarded Croatia's determination to remain dangerous despite Lithuania's improved second-half performance.
During the closing stages, Lithuania attempted to create additional attacking pressure by using a flying goalkeeper. The tactical adjustment allowed the hosts to introduce another outfield player and increase their possession in Croatia's defensive half.
However, Mavrović's team remained disciplined and successfully protected their advantage. Lithuania were unable to find another goal, and Croatia secured a deserved 3–1 victory after a competitive 40-minute encounter.
Lima Praises Croatia's Preparation and Composure
Vitor Lima was one of Croatia's most influential players in Jonava, contributing the opening goal and an assist for Mataja's second-half finish. His performance earned him recognition as the standout player of the encounter, while his post-match comments reflected satisfaction with the result and the preparation that preceded it.
Speaking to the Croatian Football Federation, Lima acknowledged that Lithuania had presented a difficult challenge. The hosts were physically strong, comfortable on the ball and disciplined defensively, requiring Croatia to remain patient and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
However, the Croatian international believed his team had prepared effectively and managed the encounter well enough to secure a controlled victory. He admitted that Croatia experienced fluctuations in performance but emphasised that collecting three points was the most important objective.
The match also carried personal significance for Lima because of the next fixture. Croatia will face Lithuania again in Osijek, where he plays his club football. The opportunity to represent the national team in front of familiar supporters provides additional motivation, and he expressed confidence that Croatia could produce an even stronger performance in the return encounter.
His contribution against Lithuania continues an encouraging start to the campaign. After scoring against Germany in Rijeka, Lima has now found the net in both of Croatia's opening World Cup qualifiers, establishing himself as an important attacking figure in Mavrović's team.
Mavrović Expects More From His Players
Although Croatia secured another important victory, head coach Marinko Mavrović believes his team still have considerable room for improvement. The Croatian coach praised Lithuania's organisation and physical strength, describing the opposition as a compact and increasingly competitive national team.
Mavrović explained that the Croatian coaching staff had anticipated a demanding contest and were not surprised by the hosts' determination. Lithuania's ability to protect possession and defend aggressively created problems, particularly when Croatia failed to convert opportunities during the first half.
The coach believed the visitors could have settled the match earlier, pointing to missed chances that allowed Lithuania to remain within striking distance. He also expressed frustration with some refereeing decisions but stressed that Croatia should not use officiating as an excuse for aspects of their performance that require improvement.
Despite those concerns, Mavrović was satisfied with the team's response after Lithuania reduced the deficit. Rather than losing their composure, Croatia restored their two-goal advantage and managed the closing stages effectively.
The coach is already looking ahead to the next qualifying fixture in Osijek, where he hopes to see improvements in attacking efficiency and overall consistency. He also appealed to local supporters to fill the arena and provide an encouraging atmosphere for the national team.
The comments underline Croatia's determination to build on their recent international success. Having won bronze at the European Championship, Mavrović's players are increasingly expected to deliver convincing performances against teams from outside the continent's leading group.
Croatia Strengthen Their Position in Group 3
The victory over Lithuania gives Croatia six points from two matches, placing them in a strong position at the top of Group 3. Their opening 3–2 success against Germany and the subsequent 3–1 victory in Jonava have provided an important foundation for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.
Under UEFA's qualification format, the 12 group winners and four best runners-up advance directly to the elite round. The remaining eight second-placed teams enter play-offs to compete for the final four elite-round places.
Croatia's two victories have therefore strengthened their prospects considerably, although qualification for the elite round has not yet been mathematically secured. The team still have two matches remaining, beginning with the return encounter against Lithuania before a potentially decisive away fixture against Germany in March.
The home match against Lithuania will provide an opportunity for Croatia to secure a third consecutive victory and take another important step towards qualification. Mavrović's players will be expected to control the encounter, but the first meeting demonstrated that Lithuania are capable of competing with determination and creating dangerous opportunities.
The final group match against Germany could ultimately determine first place, particularly if both teams continue collecting points. Croatia's victory in Rijeka gives them an important advantage in their head-to-head meetings, but maintaining that position will require another strong performance.
Osijek Awaits Croatia's Next World Cup Qualifier
Croatia will return to competitive action against Lithuania at home on December 9, with the match scheduled for 19:00 CET in Osijek. The encounter is particularly significant for Lima, who has established a strong connection with the city's futsal supporters through his club career.
Mavrović is hoping for a strong attendance, recognising that home support can provide valuable encouragement during important qualifying matches. The atmosphere in Rijeka had already demonstrated the growing popularity of the national team following its European Championship success.
Lithuania will enter the return encounter determined to respond after suffering their second qualifying defeat. Despite losing in Jonava, the Baltic side demonstrated enough quality to suggest that Croatia cannot afford to approach the next match casually.
The visitors' compact defensive structure, physical strength and ability to threaten on the counterattack will again require concentration. Croatia, meanwhile, will look to improve their finishing and establish greater control throughout the full 40 minutes.
The final Group 3 fixture will take Croatia to Germany on March 3, 2027. By then, the team will hope to have strengthened its position sufficiently to approach the match with a clear advantage in the battle for the elite round.
Croatia Continue Their Road to the 2028 World Cup
The two qualifying victories have provided an encouraging beginning to Croatia's pursuit of a place at the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup. The team have scored six goals and conceded three, demonstrating attacking quality while also showing resilience during difficult passages of play.
Mavrović's squad have responded to different challenges during the opening international window. Against Germany, Croatia protected a narrow advantage after being reduced to three outfield players following Kristian Čekol's dismissal. In Lithuania, the team maintained its composure when the hosts reduced the deficit and threatened to equalise.
The performances suggest that Croatia possess the experience and tactical organisation required to compete effectively in qualification. However, Mavrović remains aware that greater consistency will be necessary as the opposition becomes stronger.
The national team's recent European bronze medal has raised expectations, but it has also increased confidence among players and supporters. With two victories secured, Croatia are moving closer to the next stage of qualification and another opportunity to compete against leading international teams.
Croatia's 3–1 victory over Lithuania represents another important step towards the 2028 Futsal World Cup. Inspired by Vitor Lima's goal and assist, David Mataja's finishing and Josip Jurlina's decisive contribution, Marinko Mavrović's team secured a second consecutive victory despite determined resistance from the hosts. With six points from two matches and the return fixture in Osijek approaching, Croatia have established an excellent foundation for the remainder of their qualifying campaign.
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