The young Croatian football team is experiencing a tough start in the "Vlatko Marković" tournament, held in Međimurje. After a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their first match, the team faced another setback, this time losing to Japan.

Match Against Brazil

Selected by coach Sreten Ćuka, the young Croatian team faced Brazil in the opening match of the 8th International "Vlatko Marković" Tournament. The team was edged out with a goal in the last minute of the game, scored by Lucas Jorge Santos Alves Orfei.

Defeat to Japan

The second match of the tournament saw the Croatian team facing Japan. The Japanese side took an early lead, scoring three goals within the first 22 minutes of the match. Adachi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Suzuki four minutes later. Adachi struck again in the 22nd minute, and Yagihashi added a fourth goal later in the match.

Despite the early deficit, the Croatian team attempted to stabilize their game, but their efforts did not translate into significant offensive contributions or serious threats to the Japanese goal. However, in the final minutes of the match, a defensive lapse by the Japanese goalkeeper allowed Matheus Eduardo, son of the renowned Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva, to score a consolation goal in the 77th minute.

With two matches played and no points, the Croatian team's prospects for advancing to the finals are dim. Their next match is against England, scheduled for Friday at 5 PM.