Clinical Croatia finish off Romania

Croatia are one point away from the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals after ending Romania's hopes with three unanswered first-half goals.

Aiming to follow up an opening 2-1 defeat of elite round Group 2 hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia had the game won by the break thanks to Marko Livaja, Kruno Ivančić and Ivan Jakov Džoni. They now will ensure a place in Liechtenstein if they draw with Portugal on Wednesday.

Romania were hoping to improve on their 4-1 opening loss to Portugal but on nine minutes Džoni advanced down the right and found Livaja in a perfect position to score. Five minutes later, Ivan Aleksić's corner was turned in by the head of Ivančić, and the third goal arrived on the half-hour as Džoni beat Romania goalkeeper Iustin Aliin Popescu at the second attempt. Džoni went close after the break but the game was won.

Ivan Gudelj, the Croatia coach, said afterwards: "In the first half we played great. Afterwards we were a little weaker but we had control of the game. Now we will play Portugal, a very strong team. We will try to keep tight and take the point that will take us to the European Championship." Florin Cheran, Romania's coach, added: "Croatia deserved to win. The difference is obvious because our opponents were better prepared and stronger than us."