Ante Budimir’s second international goal was enough for Croatia to book their place at the Euro 2024 finals in Germany following a 1-0 victory over Armenia in Zagreb on Tuesday as they finished runner-up in qualification Group D.
Croatia camped in the Armenia half without creating clear-cut chances until Budimir’s headed goal two minutes before halftime. Borna Sosa’s cross from the left was perfect for the forward to get ahead of his marker and score from six yards out.
Luka Modric was superb for the home side as he belied his 38 years and pulled the strings in midfield, allowing them to control the tempo in the second half and create several other scoring chances that were spurned.
A slip-up by Croatia would have given Wales hope if they beat Turkey in Cardiff, but coach Rob Page’s team drew 1-1. Neco Williams put Wales ahead early before attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazici equalised with a penalty in the 70th.
Turkey topped the pool with 17 points from their eight games, one more than Croatia. Wales had to settle for a place in the playoffs, while Armenia’s dream had been extinguished before their final game.
Wales now hope to be one of the three teams qualifying via the playoffs in March with 12 teams involved.
France’s perfect record in qualifying came to an end when they drew 2-2 at Greece in Athens.
Kylian Mbappé hit the crossbar in the final seconds after coming off the bench for France.
