Croatia Dominates Montenegro in World Cup Qualifier, 4-0

ZAGREB, Croatia – Teh Croatian national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Montenegro on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Stadion maksimir, maintaining their perfect record in World cup qualifying and seizing the top spot in their group. The win, coupled with a superior goal difference (+16), puts them ahead of the Czech Republic, who also have 12 points.

Modrić, Perišić Return as Croatia overwhelms Montenegro

Head coach Zlatko Dalić made a bold statement with five changes to the starting lineup following Friday’s narrow 1-0 win against the Faroe Islands. The most notable inclusions were the return of midfield maestro Luka Modrić and veteran winger Ivan Perišić,injecting experience and creativity into the Croatian attack. Franjo ivanović also earned a starting role up front, leading the line for “Vatreni” (The Blazers).

From the opening whistle, croatia asserted their dominance, controlling possession for a staggering 74% of the frist half. Montenegro struggled to mount any meaningful attacks, failing to register a single shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, while Croatia peppered the Montenegrin goal with 12 attempts.

Jakic’s Debut Goal Sparks Croatian Offense

Kristijan Jakić proved to be a constant threat, firing the first shot of the match in the 12th minute, albeit over the bar. In the 21st minute, Jakić set up Ivanović with a well-placed pass, but the striker’s shot was easily saved by Montenegrin goalkeeper Daniel petković.

Despite their dominance, Croatia initially struggled to break down Montenegro’s stubborn defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute, courtesy of a stunning strike from Jakić. Modrić delivered a pinpoint pass from midfield to Jakić on the right flank, who controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful shot into the back of the net for his first international goal. Think of it like a quarterback hitting a receiver in stride for a touchdown – pure precision.

Montenegro’s woes deepened in the 41st minute when Stefan savić nearly scored an own goal with a comical back pass that almost caught Petković off guard. The near-miss was a sign of things to come.

Just a minute later, 18-year-old Andrija Bulatović received his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing Montenegro to 10 men. This ejection was similar to a crucial penalty in basketball,shifting the momentum entirely.

Second-Half Surge Seals Victory

with a man advantage, Croatia capitalized in the second half. in the 51st minute, Modrić delivered a corner kick that was flicked on by Josip Stanišić to Andrej Kramarić, who pounced from close range to score his 36th goal for the national team, just nine shy of Davor Šuker’s all-time record.

Croatia continued to control the game, with Modrić, ante Budimir, Perišić, Kramarić, and Lovro Majer all testing Petković. In the 82nd minute,Modrić received a standing ovation as he was substituted,potentially marking his final appearance in front of the home crowd. Three minutes later, Majer added a third goal, followed by Perišić’s late strike to complete the rout.

Match Summary

Croatia 4,Montenegro 0

Goalscorers:

• 1-0: Kristijan Jakić (35′,assisted by Luka Modrić)
• 2-0: Andrej Kramarić (51′,assisted by Josip Stanišić)
• 3-0: Lovro Majer (85′,assisted by Josip Stanišić)
• 4-0: Ivan Perišić (90+2′,assisted by Lovro Majer)

Stadium: maksimir (Zagreb)

Attendance: 21,209

Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)

Yellow Cards: Duje Ćaleta-Car (croatia),andrija Bulatović,Stefan Savić (Montenegro)

Red Card: Andrija Bulatović (Montenegro)

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livaković; Kristijan Jakić,Josip Šutalo,Duje Ćaleta-Car,Josip Stanišić; Luka Sučić (70′ Martin Baturina),Luka Modrić (82′ Nikola Moro); Mario Pašalić (61′ Gabriel Rukavina),Andrej Kramarić (70′ Lovro Majer),Ivan Perišić; Franjo Ivanović (61′ Ante Budimir). Coach: Zlatko Dalić.

Montenegro (3-4-2-1): Daniel Petković; Boris Vujačić (7′ Igor Rubežić), Stefan Savić, Marko Šipčić; Andrija Vukčević, Momčilo roganović, Andrija Bulatović, Aleksa Brnović (74′); Driton Camaj (46′ Milan Vukčević), Vasko Vukotić (46′ marko Bakic); Stevan Jovetić (60′ Nebojša Kosović), Nikola Krstović. Coach: Robert Prosinečki.

Looking Ahead

Croatia’s dominant performance solidifies their position as a favorite to qualify for the World Cup.However, tougher tests lie ahead. can they maintain this level of performance against stronger opposition? How will the team cope with potential injuries or suspensions? These are key questions for U.S. soccer fans to consider as they follow Croatia’s journey to the World Cup.