CROATIA: Oremuš, Haramina, Madić, Janković, Pavlinušić (Bubica 27’), Nikšić, Čebić, Čikvar, Vujičić, Pecić (Patrčević 69’), Delišimunović (Surjan 90'+1’)
POLAND: Marzec, Bajon, Wochnik, Nurkiewicz, Walukiewicz (Herok 74’) , Polak (Polok 46’), Dembowska, Januszynska, Grzelak (Grzechnik 57’), Hogan (Tkachenko 86’), Szoliba (Kępińska Senyonga 74’)
Croatia's next generation of women's footballers have taken an important step towards international recognition after completing a perfect opening qualifying campaign in Karlovac. The young national team, coached by Božidar Miletić, demonstrated impressive consistency, attacking quality and determination across three demanding matches, collecting the maximum nine points while scoring seven goals and conceding three.
The campaign began with a narrow 1–0 victory over Slovakia, continued with an entertaining 3–2 success against Bulgaria and concluded with an impressive 3–1 win over Poland. The final encounter was particularly significant because both Croatia and Poland entered the decisive match competing for first place in Group A2 of League A. Croatia responded to the challenge with confidence, producing a performance that combined early attacking pressure, an effective response to the opposition's equaliser and strong defensive organisation in the second half.
Poland arrived in Karlovac with considerable international experience, having reached the Round of 16 at the recent FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. Their campaign ended against Brazil following a penalty shootout, underlining the quality of an opponent Croatia needed to overcome to secure the leading position in the group. Miletić's players nevertheless demonstrated that they could compete with an established European youth team, recording a deserved victory that strengthened their ambitions for the next qualification stage.
Pecić Inspires Croatia to Victory Over Poland
Croatia entered the decisive encounter at Branko Čavlović-Čavlek Stadium determined to establish control from the opening minutes. Their attacking intent was rewarded almost immediately when Dora Marta Pecić scored in the fourth minute, giving the hosts an early advantage and placing Poland under pressure.
The goal provided an ideal start for Miletić's team, but Poland quickly demonstrated why they were considered dangerous opponents. The visitors responded with greater attacking intensity and equalised in the 18th minute through Grzelak, restoring parity and forcing Croatia to show composure during an important period of the match.
Rather than allowing the equaliser to change their approach, Croatia continued searching for opportunities and were rewarded just six minutes later. Pecić struck again in the 24th minute, completing her double and restoring the home side's advantage at 2–1. Her contribution proved decisive, providing the attacking efficiency needed to maintain Croatia's position in a closely contested match.
The second half presented another test as Poland attempted to find a route back into the encounter. Croatia remained organised and maintained their attacking threat, preventing the visitors from establishing the momentum required to produce another equaliser.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 66th minute when Jana Vujičić found the net to extend Croatia's lead to 3–1. Her finish gave the hosts greater control of the closing stages and moved them closer to an important qualification milestone.
Croatia successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle, completing a convincing victory against their strongest group rival. Pecić's two goals were central to the result, while Vujičić's contribution ensured that Poland could not force another dramatic finish.
The result confirmed Croatia's position at the top of Group A2 and completed a perfect qualifying campaign, providing an important achievement for a generation aiming to establish itself among Europe's strongest youth teams.
Delišimunović Leads Croatia's Opening Victories
Before the decisive match against Poland, Croatia had already demonstrated their determination through two very different victories.
The campaign began with a narrow 1–0 success against Slovakia, with Stela Delišimunović scoring the only goal. The result provided three valuable points and established a positive foundation for the tournament, while demonstrating Croatia's ability to protect a narrow advantage.
Their next encounter against Bulgaria was considerably more dramatic. Delišimunović again made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the third minute to give Croatia another excellent start. However, Bulgaria responded through Varbanov in the 26th minute, bringing the contest level and creating an important test of the hosts' resilience.
Croatia required just four minutes to regain the lead. Delišimunović scored her second goal of the match in the 30th minute, restoring the advantage and taking her tally to three goals across the opening two qualifiers.
Verena Čebić extended Croatia's lead to 3–1 in the 42nd minute, giving Miletić's team a valuable two-goal cushion. Bulgaria refused to surrender and reduced the deficit through another goal from Varbanov in the 81st minute, creating a tense conclusion.
Despite the late pressure, Croatia maintained their composure and secured a 3–2 victory. The result demonstrated the team's attacking variety, with Delišimunović providing crucial goals and Čebić contributing an important finish.
The victories over Slovakia and Bulgaria ensured that Croatia entered the final match against Poland with maximum points and a realistic opportunity to win the group. While the opening encounter highlighted defensive discipline, the match against Bulgaria showed that the young team could respond effectively after conceding and remain composed under pressure.
Perfect Record Earns Croatia Top Seeding
Croatia's three victories represent more than an encouraging sequence of results. By finishing first in Group A2 with nine points, Miletić's team secured a place among the top seeds for the second qualifying round of League A, providing a more favourable position when the next groups are drawn.
The achievement is particularly important because Croatia competed against three different opponents, each presenting distinct tactical challenges. Slovakia tested the team's ability to protect a narrow lead, Bulgaria forced Croatia to maintain composure during a high-scoring encounter, and Poland provided the strongest examination of the squad's quality in the decisive match.
Across those fixtures, Croatia demonstrated several encouraging characteristics. Delišimunović and Pecić provided consistent goalscoring contributions, while Vujičić and Čebić added important goals when the team needed them. The squad also showed resilience, recovering from opposition equalisers and maintaining concentration during difficult passages of play.
Although the group victory does not yet guarantee participation in the European Championship, it provides Croatia with a valuable opportunity to continue competing at the highest level of the qualification system.
The nine-point campaign also represents an encouraging result for Croatian women's football development. Success at Under-17 level can help young players build confidence, gain international experience and prepare for possible progression to the Under-19 and senior national teams.
European Championship in Finland Is the Next Objective
Croatia's attention now turns towards the second round of qualification, which must be completed by March 21, 2027. The next stage will determine the seven teams that join hosts Finland at the European Championship.
The final tournament is scheduled for May 9–22, 2027, and will feature eight national teams competing for the continental title. UEFA's qualification structure means Croatia must continue delivering strong performances against leading European opposition if they hope to reach the finals.
Croatia's position among the top seeds offers an encouraging foundation, but the next qualifying round will present another demanding test. The team must maintain the attacking efficiency demonstrated in Karlovac while continuing to strengthen its defensive organisation and tactical flexibility.
For Miletić and his coaching staff, the coming months will provide an opportunity to prepare the squad for opponents whose individual quality and international experience may be greater than those encountered in the opening group.
The players will also benefit from the confidence gained through three consecutive competitive victories. Winning all three matches at home demonstrated that Croatia possess the mentality to compete for important results, particularly when facing pressure in decisive encounters.
Another successful qualifying campaign could provide this generation with the opportunity to compete at a major international tournament, creating an important milestone in their development.
An Encouraging Future for Croatian Women's Football
The performances in Karlovac offer an important indication of the potential within Croatia's youth development system. While the senior women's national team continues working to strengthen its international position, results at younger age levels provide encouragement for the future.
Players such as Delišimunović, Pecić, Vujičić and Čebić demonstrated the confidence required to influence competitive international matches. Their contributions helped Croatia maintain an unbeaten record and secure first place against opponents with established youth football programmes.
The team also demonstrated a collective identity built around determination and effective responses to setbacks. Against Poland and Bulgaria, Croatia conceded equalisers but regained the lead on both occasions, showing an ability to manage pressure rather than allowing difficult moments to affect their performances.
Those qualities will become increasingly important as the players progress towards higher levels of competition. International youth tournaments provide opportunities to develop technical ability, tactical understanding and the psychological resilience required for professional football.
Croatia's achievement also highlights the importance of continued investment in women's football, including youth coaching, competitive opportunities and the development of domestic clubs capable of supporting talented young players.
Croatia's perfect qualification campaign represents a significant achievement for Božidar Miletić and his Under-17 squad. Three victories, nine points and first place in a competitive League A group have placed the team in a promising position ahead of the next stage. Inspired by decisive performances from Pecić, Delišimunović and their teammates, Croatia's young footballers have demonstrated the quality and determination required to pursue a place at the 2027 European Championship in Finland.
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