Croatia began their campaign with an impressive victory over tournament hosts Estonia at A. Le Coq Arena, winning 3–1. Their intentions were clear from the outset, as they took the lead after just one minute and doubled their advantage before halftime. The standout performer of the evening was Zuzic, who scored twice and won a penalty. Estonia’s consolation goal came in the 89th minute, when substitute Visse fired the ball into the top corner.
Estonia, coached by Marko Pärnpuu in a 1-3-5-2 formation, adapted their structure depending on the phase of play. Out of possession, central midfielder Kaares operated as a holding midfielder in front of the back three to provide defensive protection, while in possession he advanced between the lines to support attacking progression (see next two images below).
Marijan Budimir’s Croatia lined up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation and made an aggressive start, consistently targeting the left side of their attack — the opponents’ right defensive channel. Their strategy focused on isolating Zuzic in 1v1 situations, which immediately created problems for the opposition and produced three scoring opportunities within the opening four minutes.
During the build-up phase, Trajanovski regularly dropped alongside right centre-back Pavić to create a temporary back three and support circulation in the first phase. This movement enabled the right-back to advance higher, providing width and stretching the opposition’s defensive structure (see image below).
Out of possession, they pressed in a 1-4-4-2 diamond shape, applying pressure centrally while limiting short passing options. Their aggressive positioning allowed them to regain possession high in the opposition half (see image below).
Here the players who stood out:
Nik Skafar Zuzic (Croatia / Istra 1961), left winger born 2009.
Inverted fast winger, strong in attacking 1v1 and finishing. Good timing in releasing the ball to the overlapping full-back. Able to combine with his teammates when dribbling inside the pitch, as in Croatia’s first goal, which he scored with his left foot. He dominated his 1v1 battles against his direct opponent both when facing him and with his back to goal, using explosive changes of direction to beat him. His second goal came from an outstanding piece of technique, as he dribbled inside before shooting towards the far top corner. He won the penalty which led to the third goal by being direct with the ball and entering the penalty box.
Jona Benkotic (Croatia / GNK Dinamo Zagreb), offensive midfielder born 2009.
Jona is a tall attacking midfielder with excellent awareness, receiving ability, and vision. He is effective at receiving the ball between the lines, often using his first touch to direct it away from pressure. He provided the assist for the opening goal with a smart lay-off. Later, he scored the penalty for 3–0, calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner with precision using the inside of his foot.
Ivan Paunovic (Croatia / GNK Dinamo Zagreb), left full-back born 2009.
Ivan is an attack-minded left-back with excellent playmaking and crossing ability. He consistently supported the attack with both overlapping and underlapping runs. Comfortable dribbling at speed, he could beat his opponents by changing direction before delivering dangerous crosses. With strong crossing technique, he created several chances for his teammates using a variety of deliveries.
Ronald Sammul (Estonia / FC Flora), centre-back born 2009.
Ronald showed excellent positioning when defending crosses, intercepting them with both his head and feet. He also played precise progressive and long passes, helping to build play from deeper areas. Strong in aerial duels and effective in 1v1 defending, he remained solid throughout. He also made several important blocks inside the penalty area, helping to prevent a heavier defeat.
Aston Visse (Estonia / Kuressaare), striker born 2009.
Aston is a target player who was strong in aerial and physical duels after coming on in the 68th minute. He demonstrated great resilience and a never-say-die attitude, contesting every challenge. His efforts were rewarded with a superb goal, as he showed excellent striking technique, firing from an angled position at the edge of the box and sending the ball into the top corner.
