EURO 2024 hopes hang in the balance for Beljo and Demirović

International break update

Dion Beljo and the Croatia national team still have a chance of qualifying for next year’s European Championships, while Ermedin Demirović and Bosnia-Herzegovina will have to do things the hard way and try to qualify via the play-offs.

Beljo, who was back in training for FCA on Tuesday, came on as a half-time substitute in Croatia’s 2-1 loss to Wales. The runners-up in the 2018 World Cup have slipped to third place in Group D with two games left to play. Despite the loss, Beljo looked impressive in the 45 minutes he played and had two good chances to score (75’, 90+4’).

Croatia will still have the chance to qualify for the EUROs via the play-offs if they miss out on a second-place finish in their group. Ermedin Demirović and the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team will be hoping for the same opportunity, as they can no longer qualify automatically following their 5-0 loss against Portugal. FCA’s captain was only involved in the first half of the game.

Engels victorious with Belgium U21s

Arne Engels played a full 90 minutes as Belgium U21s defeated Hungary 1-0 in qualifying for the U21 EUROs. Mert Kömür came on towards the end of Germany U19’s 3-3 draw against Poland. FCA’s home-grown talent, who has already scored four goals for Christian Wörns’ side, was brought on in the 79th minute.