Ante Budimir's Single Goal Against Armenia Takes Croatia To Germany

Croatian striker Ante Budimir celebrates a goal against Armenia in the final qualifying match for Euro 2024. (Twitter @EURO2024)

JAKARTA - Croatia won a ticket to the Euro 2024 finals after narrowly winning 1-0 over Armenia in the final match of Group D qualifying for Euro 2024 at the Maksimir Stadium, Wednesday, November 2 early morning WIB. Striker Ante Budimir scored the only goal to get Croatia through.

The competition in Group D is no less tight and hot. The fight for a ticket to the Euro 2024 finals was determined until the final match after Turkey became the first team in the group to ensure qualification for Germany.

Meanwhile, another ticket is up for grabs between Croatia and Wales, who are competing fiercely. Only Wales had the upper hand after being ranked second in the standings.

Croatia's hopes of qualifying began to emerge after beating Latvia 2-0. Instead, Wales lost crucial points by drawing 1-1 against Armenia.

From these results, the competition for tickets will be determined in the final match. Once again, Croatia emerged victorious after beating Armenia and pocketing 16 points. Four points ahead of Wales, who again drew 1-1 when they hosted Turkey.

Croatia also won an automatic ticket to Germany. Meanwhile, Wales' opportunity is still open. Only the Dragons have to go through the playoffs to get that ticket.

In a match with cold weather, Croatia had to work hard to overcome Armenia's resistance. Coach Zlatko Dalic continues to rely on veteran players such as Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic.

Meanwhile, Budimir, who is actually a senior because he is already 32, is the spearhead. He was supported by Lovro Majer, Andrej Kramaric and Luka Ivanusec.

Appearing with high enthusiasm and support from supporters who filled the stadium because tickets were sold out, Croatia immediately put pressure on their opponents from the first minute. As a result, Armenia could only survive in the face of the hosts' offensive play.

Croatia actually had a good chance from the penalty spot after Brozovic was brought down in the forbidden box in the 14th minute. However, the referee let the incident go.

Next, Budimir got two chances with headers. However, all the opportunities from the Osasuna striker were thwarted by goalkeeper Ognen Cancarevic.

The hard work and patience of the Croatian players finally paid off towards the end of the first half. Budimir successfully breaks through the Armenian goal with a header!

The goal came from left back Borna Sosa who was diligent in layering attacks. Sosa, who was combing the left sector, then fired a kick which was met by Budimir. He scored the goal in the 43rd minute.

This was the only goal scored. The reason is that there were no more goals from Croatia who took 23 kicks on goal. It's just that nothing resulted in a goal until Budimir broke the deadlock.