(Photo: HVS)

Croatia’s women’s national team delivered one of the most impressive performances in recent years on Saturday evening in Funchal, recording a convincing and historic 15-9 victory over France in the fourth round of the Women’s European Championship.

It marked the first time Croatia has defeated France at a major international tournament, and the manner of the win made it all the more significant.

Croatia controlled the match from start to finish, never allowing France to take the lead and permitting only a single equaliser early in the contest.

The statistics underline Croatia’s dominance. Playing with a numerical advantage, Croatia converted all seven of their opportunities (7/7), while their defence stood firm in moments of pressure, successfully killing eight of France’s eleven power-play situations.

Croatia were flawless from the penalty line, converting all three penalties through Iva Rožić (two) and Jelena Butić. In transition, Croatia were equally clinical, scoring both of their counter-attacks, while France failed to capitalise on their only clear break.

(Photo: HVS)

The match opened with Ria Glas putting Croatia ahead, setting the tone for what followed. Goals from Butić and another from Glas, including one from seven metres, quickly stretched the lead.

By the end of the first quarter, Croatia were already firmly in control. A strong second quarter saw four unanswered Croatian goals, pushing the score to 7–2 and leaving France reeling.

Although France attempted a response early in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 7–5, Croatia reacted decisively. Rožić converted another penalty before Neli Janković struck twice with player advantage, restoring a five-goal cushion.

(Photo: HVS)

The final quarter confirmed Croatia’s superiority, with a decisive three-goal burst extending the lead to 13–7, which remained the final score.

Particularly encouraging was the maturity and cohesion shown by a Croatian side that remains one of the youngest at the tournament, featuring several junior players. The match itself was a meeting of the two youngest squads in the competition.

(Photo: HVS)

“This result shows that we are balanced at both ends of the pool,” said head coach Mia Šimunić. “Our attack is well organised, but just as importantly, our defence is disciplined and focused.”

The victory is Croatia’s third in four matches in Portugal. They next face reigning world champions Greece on Sunday evening.

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