Goalscorer Andrej Kramaric from Bundesliga soccer club TSG Hoffenheim shot Croatia to the top of the table in the European Championship qualification, bringing them a little closer to the finals in Germany (June 14th to July 14th, 2024).
The 32-year-old scored the 1-0 (1-0) winning goal against hosts Armenia in the 13th minute in Yerevan.
Croatia now leaders
Croatia, who came third in the World Cup, replaced Turkey, coached by Stefan Kuntz, at the top of Group D. Both teams have ten points, but Croatia has played one game less. Kuntz, who has been criticized in Turkey due to fluctuating results, is seen as a possible candidate for the vacant national coaching position.
Croatia, with Leverkusen’s Josip Stanisic as another Bundesliga professional in the starting line-up, started decisively and earned the victory, which could have been better given their oppressive superiority. Lovro Majer from Neu-Wolfsburg came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.
Armenia, where Mönchengladbach’s Grant-Leon Ranos played from the start, is only third in the table with seven points.