Croatia Women U17 open campaign with 3-1 win over Poland U17 Women

Croatia Women U17 made an impressive start to their UEFA European U17 Women's Championship campaign on Sunday night, defeating Poland U17 Women 3-1 thanks to a brace from Marta Horvat and a composed team performance. The result puts Croatia in a strong position in the group and hands Poland an early setback in their quest for qualification.

Played at 21:00, the match was a meeting of contrasting styles. Poland enjoyed more possession, but Croatia's pressing and ruthlessness in front of goal proved decisive.

Match at a glance

• Competition: UEFA European U17 Women's Championship
• Result: Croatia Women U17 3-1 Poland U17 Women
• Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
• Kick-off: 21:00
• Goals: Horvat 18', 84'; Nowak 42'; Kovačević 63'

Match overview

Croatia started with intensity and took the lead in the 18th minute when Marta Horvat intercepted a loose pass and drove forward before finishing confidently. Poland responded well and equalised in the 42nd minute through Zofia Nowak, who found space at the far post and converted a cross from the left.

The second half belonged to Croatia. Ana Kovačević restored their lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a short corner routine. Poland pushed for another equaliser, but Croatia's defensive discipline held firm, and Horvat sealed the win in the 84th minute with a calm finish on the counter-attack.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Marta Horvat gives Croatia Women U17 the lead with a fine solo finish.
• 42nd minute: Zofia Nowak equalises for Poland U17 Women with a close-range strike.
• 63rd minute: Ana Kovačević restores Croatia's lead with a powerful effort.
• 78th minute: Croatia goalkeeper Petra Jurić makes a crucial save to deny Poland an equaliser.
• 84th minute: Horvat scores her second to make it 3-1 and secure the win.
• 90+3 minutes: Croatia see out the closing stages comfortably.

Tactical story

Croatia Women U17 set up with an aggressive pressing structure, looking to force Poland into mistakes in their own half. That approach paid off for the opening goal and helped Croatia control the tempo during key moments. Their wide players worked hard to track back, limiting Poland's space in the final third.

Poland U17 Women played patient possession football and created several promising openings, particularly down the left. However, they struggled to break down Croatia's low block in the second half and were caught out by quick transitions. Croatia's ability to defend deep and counter-attack proved to be the difference.

Standout players

Marta Horvat was the star of the show for Croatia, scoring twice and leading the line with maturity. Ana Kovačević controlled the midfield and scored a spectacular goal, while goalkeeper Petra Jurić made an important second-half save. For Poland, Zofia Nowak was their most consistent attacking threat.

Group-stage impact

The victory gives Croatia Women U17 three crucial points and an early advantage in the UEFA European U17 Women's Championship group standings. Poland U17 Women will need to respond quickly in their next fixture to keep their qualification hopes on track.

Croatia's blend of pressing, organisation and clinical finishing makes them a dangerous proposition in the tournament. Poland, meanwhile, showed enough with the ball to suggest they can still be a factor, but they must turn possession into goals in their remaining matches.