On closer inspection, i have the feeling we threw this game on purpose.
Having a C (with 0 weeks of PG training) playing as a PG is weird at best. Playing a 2-3 against a nation that has played 1 inside game, 2 neutrals and 3 outside tactics is weird as hell, especially if you take into consideration that they had to win to stay infront of Slovenia.
Futhermore, if you look into Croatia's GS, their bigs aren't in that great of a shape. Our bigs should very simply straight up hammer them.
The same Enthusiasm makes me think there was a TIE deal in place (i'm not a fan of those, but they are part of the scenery in the U21/NT).
But if you add all of this up, i cannot say other than it looked like a deliberate loss.
You could argue that being second was better since you'd dodge Spain and France (who you've mentioned has a better team). Futhermore, the silence regarding this game makes it all the more bizar.
i'm starting to understand why Joe was so harsh for Slovenia, since it feels like this plan was already cooked up. On the Croatian forum, even their U21 coach is discussing how they cannot understand the 2-3 zone.
(320337.118)I'm sorry but if you discuss how things can be arranged between a NT staff member for the french team and that same person being the NT coach of Marocco being unethical, i'd equally classify throwing an U21 game as equally unethical.
I'll end this message with the following: Congratulations on making the 2nd stage. Considering that you are in the weaker pool, my expectations have gone up to making it to the finals. i'm expecting a 5-1 now.