We knew that it was impossible even before the semi-final. On the floor, we also found out how difficult this task is. The Spanish, along with the Portuguese, are a world unto themselves. In Stožice, they showed why. Croatia did not play a bad semi-final, moreover. Marinko Mavrović’s team showed an enviable level of futsal, often dominating the floor, and in the last three minutes they kept the Spaniards in check. But when they had to, the Spaniards pulled a rabbit out of the hat and got their hands on the goals. In this case, two were enough for the Spanish futsal team to reach the Euro final with a 2-1 win.
It’s a shame, because Croatia played brilliant futsal at times. However, that was not enough. At least not against Spain like this.
If we have already missed the final, then the presentation of both teams should be praised.
As expected, the Spaniards started with high pressure and control of possession and rhythm. Croatia was mostly on the back foot in the opening minutes. Coach Mavrović’s idea was to quickly take the ball away and run into a counterattack with as many players as possible.
After the opening five minutes, Croatia stabilized. Not only that, in the continuation, Mavrović’s team matched the favored team superbly. Perić, Mataja and Lima had great opportunities, but the goalkeeper of Plano was concentrated. After the fifth accumulated foul, eight minutes before the end, Croatia’s aggressiveness in defense also decreased, so the Spaniards could breathe easier.
Because of that, the goal was scored in the 13th minute. Ramirez was left alone in front of Croatia’s goal, and then he put the ball into the net through Piplica’s legs to give the Spaniards the lead. By the end of the half, however, Spain was closer to a goal, and then scored it in the 18th minute, through Mellado. It’s a shame, because Croatia played a great game in the first ten minutes. And it was good to build a pledge for the second half on that.
And the Croatian futsal players started the second part with determination, motivation and pride. One hit at a time, whatever happens.
Mavrović lifted his team high, who were more and more often in shooting positions, which, as a result, left drafts and wide open doors behind them, which the Spaniards often tried to take advantage of.
However, Croatia did not give up. Aware that one goal would completely complicate the situation, the Croatian players rushed for a goal.
And there were opportunities, indeed. Mataja, Čekol, Jurlina, Perić… But that Plana was in an incredible mood.
In the midst of the Croatian attacks, around the 31st minute, a fight broke out in the stands – the matter had to be resolved by the special forces, who chased the actors out of the hall. Before that, the referees earned the glory of whistles after a dubious decision in favor of the Spaniards, and glasses of beer flew… There was a justified fear that it would cool down the Croats, but nothing of the sort. In the continuation, Čekol had another good chance, but Plana defended his lob attempt.
And then Mavrović took out the goalkeeper with three minutes to go and Croatia immediately scored. Rivillos put the ball into his own net.
After that, the siege of the Spaniard’s goal began, Sekulić hit the crossbar, but the second goal did not stay in the net…
Croatia – Spain 1-2
Strijelci: 0-1 Ramirez (13th), Mellado (18th), 1-2 Rivillos (37th, ag)
Arena Stožice, Ljubljana
