by croatiaweek
October 12, 2025
in
(Screenshot)
Varaždin, 12 October 2025 – Croatia have tightened their hold on top spot in Group L of World Cup qualifying after a comfortable victory over Gibraltar at Stadion Varteks in Varaždin on Sunday evening.
Zlatko Dalić made wholesale changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Czechia on Thursday.
All eleven players were rotated, with Mateo Kovačić returning from injury for the first time in five months to wear the captain’s armband.
As expected, Croatia dominated possession from the off, dictating the tempo and keeping Gibraltar penned deep in their own half.
Lovro Majer and Marco Pašalić were lively throughout, creating a number of half chances as Croatia pressed for the opener.
1–0 (30’)
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Pašalić whipped in a teasing cross from the right, and his former Rijeka teammate Toni Fruk rose highest to nod home and give Croatia a deserved lead.
Croatia had the chance to double their advantage ten minutes after the break when they were awarded a penalty, but Majer’s effort from the spot was well saved by the Gibraltar keeper.
Midway through the second half, Dalić turned to his star men, bringing on Luka Modrić, Joško Gvardiol, Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić to inject fresh energy into proceedings.
2–0 (77’)
The second goal finally arrived in the 77th minute. After Majer’s header was blocked in the box, Luka Sučić reacted quickest to slot in the rebound and seal the points.
Pašalić stood out with his energy and creativity, while Dalić will have been encouraged by the performances of Fruk and Majer, despite the latter’s missed penalty.
Earlier, the Faroe Islands upset Czechia with a 2-1 win, a result that leaves Croatia three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
3–0 (95’)
Croatia made it 3-0 in injury time when defender Martin Erlić headed home from a corner on the stroke of full-time.
With 16 points and a goal difference of +19, it would take a near miracle for Croatia not to qualify.
For Dalić’s men to miss out, they would need to lose both of their remaining fixtures against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro, while Czechia would have to win against Gibraltar and overturn a 15-goal deficit.
Croatia’s march towards another World Cup now looks all but assured.