Croatia beat Serbia in thriller to win Football West World Cup
Croatia were crowned 2025 Football West World Cup winners after they beat Serbia 3-1 in a dramatic final at Inglewood Stadium on Saturday.
It was heartbreak for Serbia, who led from midway in the first half until second-half stoppage time, when Croatia levelled at the death and then went on to score twice more in extra time.
In front of a boisterous crowd with passionate support for both sides, it was Serbia who struck first as WA Men’s State player Franc Gamiz Quer rewarded their early dominance.
Croatia slowly worked their way into the match but the nearest they came before the break was when Angel Diaz’s header was brilliantly palmed over by Damjan Tesevic.
It was an open second half as Croatia went in search of an equaliser while Serbia looked to put the game to bed. Time and again, the Croatia defenders made crucial blocks to keep their team alive. However, it looked as though their efforts would be in vain, especially when midfielder Jesse Lazzaro spun in the box only to fire over.
But as the game went into stoppage time, Croatia had one last opportunity with a corner. Goalkeeper Travis Cook went up, Serbia failed to clear, and the ball ran through to Luke Sprigg to turn it over the line and spark huge Croatian celebrations.
The late drama seemed to knock the stuffing out of Serbia and by half-time in extra-time Croatia were 3-1 up. First Lazzaro and Diaz linked up for the latter to fire low from the edge of the box and beyond Tesevic.
Then Jack Sprigg, who was named player of the match, crossed from the right and Ryan Sardi was unmarked at the back post and he gleefully turned the ball home.
The game provided a fitting conclusion to the 20-team socials competition which began on 17 October.
Earlier on Saturday, Australia beat Somalia on penalties to claim third place.
Chad Nilson put Australia in front, with Abdul Osman on target for Somalia. Christian Popov scored Australia’s winning spot-kick, while one of Somalia’s penalty scorers, Jeremie Mba, had the consolation of being named Player of the Tournament and winning the Golden Boot.
