Croatia secure the final automatic qualifying spot for Euro 2024

Croatia have secured the final automatic qualifying spot for Euro 2024 after their 1-0 victory over Armenia.

Their win against Armenia means they finished second, behind Turkey, in Group D and have sent Wales into the play-offs. Croatia knew they wanted a win against Armenia, but any slip-up would have allowed Wales to secure the second position in the group.

Zlatko Dalic’s side started the game very dominantly and had 75% of the possession in the opening 15 minutes of the game and eight shots before their opening goal.

Ante Budimir opened the scoring just two minutes before the half-time whistle, which was a crucial goal to give Croatia the win. Whereas Wales drew 1-1 with already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff.

Croatia beat Wales for the final automatic spot in Euro 2024

Croatia’s chances of automatic qualification were in huge doubt when they lost to both Turkey and Wales in October. Nevertheless, they have now become the 21st and final automatic qualifier for the 24-team tournament next June and July.

As for Wales, they will now play the play-offs in March to determine whether they qualify for a third consecutive Euro.

Moreover, this also means that they have now qualified for every European Championship since 2004 and every major tournament since 2010.

Croatia’s main man and captain, Luka Modric, will play his ninth and possibly final major tournament. The 38-year-old helped Croatia to reach the final of the 2018 World Cup and finished third in last year’s tournament in Qatar.

The Euro 2024 draw will take place on 2nd December, and Croatia will find out who they will be facing in the tournament.