Croatia secured a 3-2 victory over Montenegro in a World Cup qualifier that reflected the visitors' superior attacking efficiency. Despite Montenegro's spirited 4-3-1-2 setup generating 12 shots, they managed only 5 on target and accumulated just 0.95 expected goals, leaving their goalkeeper with a 60 per cent save percentage after conceding 2.0 post-shot xG. Croatia's 4-2-3-1 formation proved more clinical, with 17 shots yielding 7 on target and 3.14 xG—a decisive advantage that Nikola Vlasic and fellow attackers converted effectively. Nikola Krstovic's goal kept Montenegro competitive but ultimately insufficient. Halil Umut Meler's officiating saw the match flow without major controversy. The result underscores Croatia's attacking prowess in qualifying, while Montenegro's defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern moving forward.