On 21 November, one of the matches of Euro 2024 in football took place. Croatia and Armenia met.
Euro-2024
Croatia vs Armenia - 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Ante Budimir (43)
Warnings: E. Piloyan (88)
Croatia defeated Armenia 1-0 in a thrilling European Championship qualifying match played at the Maksimir Stadium. The first half of the match started with impressive attacking football from both teams. However, in the 43rd minute, it was Croatia who managed to break through Armenia's defence. Ante Budimir, who plays for the Croatian team, scored a fantastic goal, delighting the spectators. Budimir's goal gave Croatia a much-needed lead before the break. At the start of the second half, both teams made quick substitutions to potentially strengthen their squads. Armenia were the first to make a substitution in the 46th minute, replacing L. Zelarayan with V. Bichakhchyan. Not to be outdone, Croatia also made their first substitution, replacing L. Ivanushek with M. Pasalic. Croatia continued to dominate the game and held a slight advantage, showing their defensive skills against Armenia's persistent attacks. In the 50th minute Croatia made a second substitution: J. Stanišić replaced J. Stanišić. Stanisic replaced J. Juranovic to further strengthen the defence. However, Croatia were not the only ones to make changes to their line-up. Armenia made a second substitution in the 69th minute, replacing O. Harutyunyan with A. Dashyan, hoping to further strengthen the defence. Dashyan, hoping that they would be able to equalise the score.
The third substitution was made in the 70th minute: E. Sevikyan replaced A. Serobyan. As the match progressed, it became obvious that Croatia's tactical decisions were bearing fruit. In the 68th minute Croatia made a third substitution - goalkeeper A. Budimir came on instead of M. Pasalic, demonstrating a variety of attacking opportunities. Armenia, not wanting to back down, made a fourth substitution in the 73rd minute, replacing A. Miranyan with G. Ranos. Nevertheless, Croatia continued to dominate the game, demonstrating a high level of ball possession and skill in attack. In the final minutes of the match, both teams made their last substitutions. In the 83rd minute Croatia replaced L. Majer with L. Sucic and also replaced A. Budimir with M. Baturina. Armenia introduced K. Hovhannisyan instead of E. Piloyan in the 86th minute. The match ended with tense moments when emotions flared up on both sides. In the 88th minute, E. Piloyan, a player of the Armenian national team, received a yellow card, which emphasised the determination and aggressiveness of both teams until the final whistle. Despite the efforts of both teams, the scoreboard remained unchanged until the end of the match, and the Croatian national team became the winner with the score 1:0. The match demonstrated the true spirit of football, with both teams showing incredible skill and determination.
| Croatia national team | Armenian national team | |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Kicks to the goal | 2 |
| 20 | Hits | 6 |
| 3 | Blocked kicks | 4 |
| 12 | Penalty kicks | 3 |
| 8 | Penalty kicks | 3 |
| 6 | Offences | 10 |
| 11 | Corner | 3 |
| 3 | Offsides | 0 |
| 68% | Ball possession | 32% |
| 0 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 2 | Keeper saves | 11 |
| 709 | Total assists | 341 |
| 639 | Accurate assists | 257 |
| 90% | Accuracy of transmissions | 75% |