• A 2-2 draw in Zagreb secured Croatia a 5-4 aggregate victory over Poland

• They became the sixth European nation to reach Uzbekistan 2024

• Two national legends will now grace the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time

Croatia held off a courageous Poland comeback to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup™ for the first time in 24 years. Marinko Mavrovic’s team led by three goals on aggregate with little over six minutes of the second leg remaining, but ultimately snuck through 5-4. Croatia will join France, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine in representing Europe at Uzbekistan 2024. The continent’s final spot will be seized by either Finland or the Netherlands on Wednesday. The sides drew 1-1 in their first leg in Almere. Croatia agonisingly lost on penalties to Czechia in a play-off for a place at Lithuania 2021, but they got off to a fine start this time around, scoring twice inside 23 seconds in Poland to turn defeat into victory. Luka Peric bagged a brace in that 3-2 success, but a yellow card meant he missed the second leg. The Croatians were 2-0 up in Zagreb thanks to goals from national legends Franco Jelovcic and Dario Marinovic. The visitors nevertheless refused to throw in the towel. Piotr Skiepko pulled one back, before Kristijan Postruzin’s red card gave the Poles a numerical advantage. Michal Kubik then made it 2-2 on the night with 47 seconds remaining, but Croatia survived to make it to Uzbekistan. There were wild celebrations at the final whistle. Jelovcic and Marinovic, who have enjoyed admirable careers at club level, and will soon turn 33 and 34 respectively, will finally get to appear on the biggest stage. “I wanted to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup with Croatia so badly, and now finally my dream came true,” Marinovic told FIFA. “The previous failures make this success even sweeter. “Now we have to enjoy the moment, celebrate, and then prepare for the tournament. I'm convinced we make a major impact in Uzbekistan.” Zoran Primic added: “It was really tense, but we fought like lions. We have deserved to reach the World Cup despite conceding the late goal, as we were the better team. We did everything right.” Croatia impressed at their first World Cup, beating Australia 6-0 and Costa Rica 4-1 to progress from their first-phase group. They then finished third from four in their second-round section.

📸 Photo courtesy of Drago Sopta / CFF