Croatia Dominates Montenegro 4-0 in Crucial World Cup Qualifier at Maksimir Stadium

In a commanding display on September 8, 2025, Croatia secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Montenegro at Zagreb's Stadion Maksimir during their UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifier match. This result marked Croatia's fourth consecutive win in the group, solidifying their top position in the qualification standings.

The match saw Croatia take the lead before halftime, with Kristijan Jakić netting his first goal at the international level, fueled by Luka Modrić's masterful playmaking in midfield. Montenegro faced a major setback when Andrija Bulatović was sent off just before the half, severely hampering their efforts to respond.

After the break, Andrej Kramarić, the tournament's leading scorer for Croatia, added a second goal, further putting pressure on the Montenegrin side. The hosts sealed the victory with two more late goals — one from Ivan Perišić and an own goal by Montenegro’s defense.

Fans witnessed Croatia's aggressive attacking strategy, with key chances including a notable headed attempt by Franjo Ivanovic and efforts by Ivan Perišić and Kristijan Jakić, reflecting the team's high offensive tempo throughout the match. Despite Montenegro's efforts, including a tactical substitution early in the game with S. Rubezic replacing I. Vujacic, they struggled to mount a meaningful challenge.

This comprehensive win elevates Croatia's stature as a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup qualification, while Montenegro faces pressure to regroup after this decisive loss. The match’s attendance and vibrant atmosphere at Maksimir Stadium underscored the importance of this fixture in European football’s qualifying phase.

Looking ahead, Croatia will aim to maintain their winning streak in forthcoming fixtures, leveraging the confidence gained from this match. Montenegro, meanwhile, must address defensive vulnerabilities and disciplinary issues displayed during this clash to improve their standing.