Croatia Strengthens World Cup Bid with 2-0 Victory Over Gibraltar in Varazdin

On October 12, 2025, Croatia secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Gibraltar at Stadion Varteks in Varazdin, tightening their grip on the top spot in Group L of the World Cup qualifiers. This victory marks a significant step towards ensuring Croatia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Zlatko Dalić implemented a bold strategy by rotating the entire starting lineup compared to their previous match, providing rest to key players such as Luka Modrić, who started on the bench. Mateo Kovačić returned from injury and assumed the captain’s armband, leading the team effectively throughout the match.

Croatia dominated possession with an assertive approach from the outset, keeping Gibraltar confined to their defensive half. Early pressure from midfielders Lovro Majer and Marco Pašalić created multiple scoring opportunities, maintaining a high tempo that Gibraltar could not counter.

The opening goal arrived in the 30th minute courtesy of Toni Fruk, who met a precise cross from Pašalić to head the ball past the Gibraltar goalkeeper. Despite being awarded a penalty ten minutes into the second half, Majer’s penalty attempt was expertly saved by the Gibraltar keeper, denying Croatia a potential second goal at that moment.

Recognizing the need to bolster the attacking front, Dalić introduced star players Luka Modrić, Joško Gvardiol, Ivan Perišić, and Andrej Kramarić midway through the second half. Their injection of experience and skill helped maintain Croatia's pressure until a second goal was eventually secured, sealing the match at 2-0.

With 13 points from five matches, Croatia remains in a strong position atop Group L, putting them on the brink of officially qualifying for the World Cup. The team’s ability to manage player fitness while maintaining dominance is emphasized by resting veterans like Modrić during matches against lower-ranked opponents such as Gibraltar.

This strategic depth and solid performance underscore Croatia's status as one of Europe's leading football nations and bolster their prospects for success in the upcoming global tournament.