The futsal national team of Croatia was defeated by Spain in the semifinals of the European Championship in Ljubljana in Arena Stožice in front of 6,456 spectators with a score of 1-2 (0-2).
Menu selections Marinko Mavrović they gave an excellent performance, especially in the second part, however, after the total drama in the end, Croatia was still left without a final.
They scored the goals for Spain Pablo Ramirez (12:57) and Mellado (18:42), and the score decreased Mario Rivillos (36:29) hitting his own net.
The Spanish are the record holders with seven European titleswhile Croatia qualified for the semi-finals for only the second time in history.
On her home soil 14 years ago, she lost to Russia in the fight for the final, and then to Italy in the fight for bronze. Now he has two more attempts for the first medal. She lost the semi-final, but on Saturday she will have to fight for bronze against the defeated team from Portugal and France.
The Spanish were the first to threaten shaking the frame of the goal after 90 seconds of play. Antonio Perez shot, the ball hit Duja Kustura in the face and bounced into the goal post. Croatia had a great opportunity in the ninth minute, goalkeeper Ante Piplica quickly scored a goal-out, David Mataja received the ball alone in front of the goal and tried to go around the goalkeeper, but was not accurate.
Spain took the lead in the 13th minute after Pablo Ramirez beat Piplica. Croatia was close to equalizing in the 16th minute after the action of Gudasić and Mataja, but Cecilio Morales managed to block the shot. Just two minutes later, Mellado doubled Spain’s lead with a powerful strike after a superb assist from Francisco Cortes.
Croatia in the first half she didn’t look badshe had several opportunities, unfortunately she failed to realize them. In the first half, “Furija” sent 30 shots, ten of which were on target, while the Croatian players shot 13 times, four of which were inside the Spanish goal.
One more Croatia had a great opportunity in the 26th minuteMataja broke out alone in front of the goalkeeper, but Plana reacted perfectly and saved Spain.
At the end of the match, Croatian coach Marinko Mavrović threw all his cards into the attack, he withdrew the goalkeeper so that they could have more players in the field. Croatia came back to life three and a half minutes before the end with an own goal by Mario Rivillos. Kristian Cekol sent in a cross from the right, and Rivillos deflected the ball into his own net. Only 40 seconds later, Croatia were centimeters away from an equaliser, Antonio Sekulić shot into the goal frame.
Croatia put a lot of pressure on Spain, but in a dramatic finish, they failed to equalize and Spain qualified for their tenth European final.
Later tonight, Portugal and France will play in the second semi-final.
(Hina | Photo: Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL)
