EURO 2024
After Wales mistake: Croatia close to direct qualification for the European Championship
Croatia is about to qualify directly for EURO 2024 in Germany. photo
© Roman Koksarov/AP
Croatia again has the best prospects of taking part in next year’s European Football Championship in Germany. The World Cup third place won 2-0 (2-0) in Latvia and is now second in the table after rivals Wales’ 1-1 mistake in Armenia.
Croatia, led by captain Luka Modric, with 13 points at the end of Group D on Tuesday (8.45 p.m.) against Armenia, is enough for the direct European Championship ticket. Wales (11) have to play against Turkey, who have already qualified, at the same time and hope for help.
Meet Bundesliga professionals
Two Bundesliga professionals met for the Croatian national team in Riga, Latvia. Wolfsburg’s Lovro Majer scored the 1-0 in the seventh minute. Andrej Kramarić from 1899 Hoffenheim made it 2-0 nine minutes later after a pass from Majer against the harmless Latvians.
Wales, on the other hand, missed a better starting position with a 1-1 (1-1) draw in Armenia. Nair Tiknisyan’s own goal at least equalized in stoppage time in the first half. Argentina-born Lucas Zelarayán scored for the hosts after five minutes.