Croatia U21 Extend Unbeaten Run With Victory Over Hungary
Croatia U21 secured a comfortable 3-1 victory against Hungary U21 in the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualification, Group Stage - 19, played on 26 September 2026. The hosts maintained their perfect record in the group, moving further clear at the top of the table. Hungary's struggles continued as they remain winless in five matches, sitting fourth in the standings.
A. Jagusic opened the scoring in the 25th minute, giving Croatia an early advantage that set the tone for the match. The academy graduate marked his performance with clinical finishing, and by then the visitors were already on the back foot. Croatia controlled possession and territory in the opening quarter-hour, letting the game flow on their terms.
Hungary responded through M. Tuboly, who converted a penalty in the 49th minute to level the scoreline. The goal came shortly after D. Prpic received a yellow card for Croatia, and the visitors seized the opportunity. Tuboly was substituted off in the 58th minute, having done his job from the spot.
Croatia regained the lead just before the hour mark when Jagusic struck again in the 60th minute. The striker was now on a hat-trick mission, and Hungary's defence looked increasingly vulnerable. Things came to a head as the hosts pushed forward with confidence, knowing they could extend their advantage.
Jagusic completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute, wrapping up a dominant individual performance. By then Hungary had already made several changes, with G. Tercza, Z. Atrok, and F. Topic among those brought on. The Croatian side did not let up, running riot in the final stages to secure all three points.
The match saw its share of disciplinary issues, with five yellow cards distributed across both sides. L. Vrbancic, A. Dragoner, B. Mlacic, and M. Okeke all received cautions, while D. Prpic was booked early in the second half. Croatia made two substitutions, while Hungary brought on six players in total, including three at the 86th-minute mark.
The result leaves Croatia U21 at the summit of the group with 13 points from five games, four wins and one draw. Hungary remain winless with three points from their five outings, having drawn three and lost two. The hosts had previously beaten Hungary 2-0 in November 2025, and this victory extends their dominance over the visitors.
