friendly
4:00 p.mJune 2, 2026
International friendly
HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac Stadium
Referee: Rade Obrenovič, Slovenia
Croatia
Belgium
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
467 (87%)
Accurate passes
346 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Dominik Livakovic
6.7
4
d
Josep Guardiol
6.6
22
d
Luka Vušković
6.5
6
d
Josip Sutalo
6.7
14
M
Ivan Perišić
6.9
8
M
Mateo Kovačić
6.9
10
M
Luka Modric (C)
6.7
2
M
Josip Stanišić
6.3
F
Martin Baturina
42′ rough
17
F
Petar Sučić
6.3
26
F
Petar Musa
6.7
1
G
Thibaut Courtois
6.9
3
d
Arthur Theatre
7.5
24
d
Amadou Onana
7.3
25
d
Nathan Ngoy
7.0
M
Maxim de Cuyper
38′ M
Youri Tielemans (C)
38′
23
M
Nicholas Raskin
6.5
22
M
Alexis Saelemaekers
6.2
11
F
Jeremy Doku
7.2
7
F
Kevin De Bruyne
6.7
F
Charles De Ketelaere
49′ roughNo ranking data available for this league
Belgium cruised to a 2-0 win over Croatia in a friendly at the HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac Stadium, with Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku securing victory with goals in the 38th and 90+6 minutes.
Belgium traveled to the Croatian coast looking to boost their preparations for the upcoming matches. Croatia hosted the visitors hoping to test themselves against quality opposition. Both teams fielded strong lineups for this friendly match on June 2, 2026.
The match started with Croatia showing early intent. They dominated possession in the early stages, controlling the ball with 57% throughout the match. However, Belgium’s defensive form remained solid despite spending more time without the ball.
Belgium scored first in the 38th minute through Tielemans. The midfielder finished clinically to give the visitors a crucial advantage heading into the break. This goal came against a corner kick as Croatia had created more chances up to that point.
Croatia went ahead looking for an equalizer before the break. Despite their territorial advantage, they managed just one shot on target in the 45th minute. Belgium’s goalkeeper made a crucial save to preserve their one-goal lead.
In the second half, Belgium strengthened their control of the competition. Croatia continued to push forward but struggled to break down the Belgian defence. The visitors were patient and dangerous on the counter-attack.
Romelu Lukaku sealed the win in stoppage time. The striker fired in the 90+6th minute to make it 2-0. That late goal ended Croatia’s hopes of a comeback.
Belgium created eight shots in total compared to Croatia’s five. The visitors scored four shots on goal against Croatia. Both teams received two yellow cards each during a relatively disciplined game.
Tielemans got a score of 8.2 for his performance. The midfielder’s goal and two key passes were decisive. Arthur Theater also impressed in Belgium with a 7.5 rating in 97 minutes.
Croatia’s dominance of possession did not translate into clear cut opportunities. They completed 467 accurate passes out of 536 total attempts. Despite controlling the ball, they did not find the breakthrough that their performance deserved.
Both teams showed quality in what turned out to be an entertaining friendly. Belgium’s efficiency in front of goal made the difference. Croatia take positives from their display despite the defeat.
This win gives confidence to Belgium as they continue their preparation schedule. Croatia can build on their possession-based approach in future matches. Both nations will use these minutes to fine-tune their tactics ahead of competitive matches.
