Croatia 3-0 Gibraltar: Hosts Near World Cup Spot After Convincing Win

Croatia edges closer to World Cup spot with 3-0 win over Gibraltar

Croatia is one step away from securing a World Cup spot after a 3-0 win over Gibraltar. Toni Fruk's header and a dominant performance from Croatia puts them on the brink of World Cup qualification.

Croatia's frustration grew when Lovro Majer's penalty kick was saved by Gibraltar goalkeeper Jaylan Hankins...

Croatia is one step away from securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 3-0 win over Gibraltar in Varazdin. Toni Fruk's well-placed header in the 30th minute marked the beginning of the end for Gibraltar, who defended resolutely against the Croatian onslaught.

Luka Sučić doubled the lead in the 78th minute with a precise finish, and Martin Erlić sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal. Despite being outshot 84-16, Gibraltar's goalkeeper Jaylan Hankin made several crucial saves, including a notable penalty stop from Lovro Majer in the 57th minute.

This win puts Croatia in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, with two games remaining against Faroe Islands and Montenegro. Gibraltar, on the other hand, remains at the bottom of the group with no points.

Lovro Majer nearly gave Croatia the lead in the 18th minute with a 10-yard shot, but Jaylan Hankins made a crucial block. Croatia's persistent pressure paid off on the 30th minute mark when Marco Pasalic delivered a precise right-wing cross that Toni Fruk headed into the bottom corner from eight yards out.

Despite dominating possession (83%) and firing 13 shots, Croatia managed only one goal in the first half. Their attack was relentless, with Pasalic hitting the woodwork earlier, but they couldn't capitalize on their chances beyond Fruk's header.

Congratulations! With a 3:0 home victory over Gibraltar, #Croatia is just a small step away from @FIFAWorldCup berth! 🇭🇷🎉🙌 #CROGIB#WCQ | #PokažiSrce | #Family | #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/a0n4MhELh7

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 12, 2025

Croatia's frustration grew when Lovro Majer's penalty kick was saved by Gibraltar goalkeeper Jaylan Hankins 10 minutes after the break. Majer's spot-kick lacked conviction, and Hankins made an excellent save to deny Croatia a second goal.

Hankins continued his heroics, making another impressive save in the 74th minute to prevent Croatia from doubling their lead. Despite Gibraltar's defensive tactics, which involved a low block and quick counter-attacks, they were able to repel Croatia's attacks and make life difficult for the 2018 World Cup finalists.

Croatia sealed their victory with a stunning goal from substitute Luka Sučić in the 78th minute, smashing the ball into the net from close range. Martin Erlić added the final touch with a header in the 96th minute, capping off a dominant performance.

This win puts Croatia on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, potentially securing their spot as early as November 14. A World Cup appearance would mark the seventh time Croatia has reached the tournament finals.

Meanwhile, Gibraltar's losing streak continues, with eight consecutive defeats and no points from 26 World Cup qualifiers over nearly a decade. Their recent performances haven't shown much improvement, including a 7-0 thrashing by Croatia in June.