Croatia defeat Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to qualify for the knockout stages of a FIFA U-17 tournament for the first time in their history.
Though Victor Oshiemen’s first half goal (his fourth in the tournament) looked like giving Nigeria a routine win, Croatia fought back in the second with two early goals in a match they were really in control of.
Read NigerianEchoes Sports LIVE coverage of the match below;
The FIFA U17 world cup gets to the crucial stage as the already qualified Golden Eaglets of Nigeria tackle the Young Blazers of Croatia in the last group game. The Croatians need to beat Nigeria to have any hope of qualifying for the next round.
Nigeria are already through after their win against USA in the first game and the trashing of hosts Chile 5 – 1, in the second group game.
Ahead of this match, coach Emmanuel Amuneke said the only thing on the boys mind is to defend their title which was won with the Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi in attack in 2013.
This encounter with Croatia promises to be massive. Follow the live updates below.
Team List:
Nigeria: 1UDOH (GK) 2LAZARUS 4ENOGELA 5ZAKARI 8CHUKWUEZE 9OSIMHEN 10NWAKALI (C) 12AGOR 13OSIKEL 14IKWU 17EBERE
Croatia:
1ŠEMPER (GK) 2HUDEĆEK 3SOSA 5KALAICA 6SOLDO 7BREKALO 9MAJIĆ 10MORO (C) 11LOVREN 13IVANUŠEC 16ĐIRA
FT: Croatia 2 – 1 Nigeria (Bekelo, Majic/Oshiemen) Victor Oshiemen’s fourth goal of the tournament not enough in a match, the Golden Eaglets were second best throughout #FIFAU17WorldCup
90+3′ FULL TIME! It’s Croatia’s historic win as this would be their first ever U17 team team to qualify for the next stage of this competition.
90+1′ Brekalo no doubt has been the player of the night as Nigeria launches what would be their final attack.
90′ Three minutes added-on. Still Nigeria 1 – 2 Croatia.
89′ Time wasting tactics? Croatia makes the final change as Davir Lovren comes off for Ivan Delic.
88′ So far, the Croatians have been the better side, as we approach the final minute of the 90.
87′ Foul! Lazarus fouls Brekalo, which allows the player to ‘waste more time’. The Croatians are cruising to victory here.
85′ A chance for Nigeria…magnificent block of the highest quality by the Croatians. It;s not 3 – 1 to Chile over USA.
84′ Good attack by the Eaglets as they make effort to spoil the party for the Croatians. Can they get the equalizer?
83′ Lack of concentration by the Nigerian midfield allows Croatia to waste more time.
81′ Another excellent play by Moro leaves Babic in an excellent position, but the striker couldn’t connect properly to the ball.
79′ referee spots an infringement in the Croatian 18, but awards a freekick to the Europeans.
77′ Nigeria makes their final change as Chikwudi Michael makes way for Kingsley Michael.
75′ The Golden Eaglets are not so much under pressure as the Croatians search for an insurance goal.
72′ It’s all about Nigeria now as the Eaglets continue to pass the ball around. However, Madueke’s effort was too heavy for Lazarus.
70′ Emmanuel Amunike up to his feet. The Nigerian coach looks so worried. It the other game, still Chile 2 – 1 USA.
68′ Sosa seems to be badly injured as the Croatian coach signals a change.
67′ Another in-swinger was headed by Lazarus. The Croatians continue to attack.
65′ Yet again! Brekalo continues to torment the Nigerian defenders. In the other game of the group, hist Chile are now leading the Americans 2 – 1.
63′ Croatia makes their first substitution as Majic comes off for Babic.
62′ Brekalo has been exceptional for the Europeans as he makes another effort.
60′ Chibueze with a fine play. But his effort was stopped but the Croatian goal keeper; as Nigeria makes the second change. Essien comes on for Osikel
58′ If it finishes this way, then Nigeria and Croatia will qualify from the group. Still 1 – 1 between USA and Chile.
55′ GOOOOAAAALLL! What a turn around. Majic curls the ball into the net. As Croatia takes the lead inside 10 minutes of the second half.
52′ Oshimen has been outstanding in the Eaglets’ team as Ebere makes way for Madueke for his tournament debut.
50′ GOOOOAAAALLLLL….. Brekalo hits the roof of the Nigerian net for an equalizer. After a beautiful play by Moro in the Nigerian 18.
49′ Brekalo makes a fine attempt from a freekick, but his shot sails wide.
48′ The Golden Eagles looks more purposeful at the start of the second half. tossing the ball around.
46′ Off and running in the second half as Nigeria restarts the second 45 minutes.
45+1′ referee signals the end of the first-half and Osimhen’s goal in the 2oth minute separates the two sides. That’s his forth of the season.
45′ Good run by Sosa…..headed off by Zakari. Good play Croatia. Meanwhile, it’s still 1 – 1 in the other group game between USA and hosts Chile. One minute added-on here.
43′ Another classy save by Udoh as Croatia continues to pile pressure upon pressure.
41′ Another corner for the Europeans which is their ninth, against Nigeria’s third.
Oh What a save from the Nigerian goalkeeper. A low-drive shot was punched away by Udoh to ensure Nigeria continues to lead.
38′ The Croatians with another chance; CLEARED!
36′ Osimehen with a wonder volley….just wide! That would have been the goal of the tournament. Still, Nigeria lead 1 – 0.
34′ Another good clearance by Zakari to deny Sosa of another attack. Corner to Croatia.
32′ John Lazarus is down on the turf. He seems to be seriously injures as the referee calls-in the medics. Still 1 – 1 between Chile and the USA.
30′ Moro has been spectacular for the Croatians as he wins yet another corner for the Europeans. Udoh punches the corner away.
28′ The Croatians are desperately looking for an equalizer here. Can they get it?
26′ Croatia trying to get themselves back into this game. Diras skies his attempt over the bar.
24′ Meanwhile, Chile and USA are playing 1 – 1 in the other group game being played simultaneously.
22′ Another outstanding play by Ebere who has been a thorn in the flesh for the Croatians.
20′ GOOOAAALLLLL! Osimhen nutmegs the Croatian goalkeeper in what could be described as an empty-net. Nigeria 1 – 0 Croatia.
18′ Both teams are beginning to class, but so far, the Croatians must be very relieved .
16′ Ooooohhh Osimhen hits the post in what was a counter. The ball rolls to him, but he couldn’t get in the rebound.
14′ A delicious in-swinger by Majic to Moro…..oooouhh, that should have been a goal. Moro heads wide. Nigeria survives yet again,
12′ It’s all about the Eastern Europeans now, as the Eaglets are struggling to contain them. Majic’s effort was blocked by Ikwu as Croatia wins yet another corner. Nigeria under real pressure!
10′ Very ambitious shot by Sosa was ballooned over the bar. The Nigerians are struggling to get their rhythm.
8′ A counter attempt by the Eaglets has forced Dira to pull down Nigeria’s Nwakali in the centre circle. Freekick Nigeria
6′ First chance of the game goes to Croatia, but Zakari deflected the shot into touch for a Blazer corner.
5′ First free-kick of the game goes to Nigeria.
3′ The Croatians are possibly looking for early lead as they make another attempt from the right.
2′ Moro just had a chance to put the Europeans ahead, but his shot from outside 18 was too tame to trouble the Nigerian goal keeper.
1′ The Croatians kick off the game; can they cause a major upset here, as they immediately launch an attack?
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