Own-goal provides Croatia a World Cup spot at Russia’s expense

A late own-goal despatched Croatia to subsequent 12 months’s World Cup on Sunday in a 1-0 win over Russia.
Croatia bombarded the Russian objective all through the sport — with little success — looking for the win the 2018 runners-up wanted to safe the automated qualifying spot in Group H and consign Russia to the playoffs.
When the breakthrough got here within the 81st minute it was from an sudden supply. Croatia’s Borna Sosa hit a cross too deep, evading his teammates, however Russian defender Fedor Kudriashov directed the ball into his personal internet as he tried to regulate it.
Under heavy rain in entrance of a vocal dwelling crowd, Croatia began out hoping to play a slick passing sport centered on talismanic midfielder Luka Modric. By halftime, the more and more waterlogged pitch made that inconceivable and turned the sport right into a succession of crosses, speculative lengthy photographs and wild sliding tackles.

🇭🇷 A late objective snatches the 2018 #WorldCup runners up an automated place at Qatar 2022.
🇷🇺 Russia should now attempt to get by way of the European playoffs.@HNS_CFF | @WorkforceRussia | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/cFgLijDuM6
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 14, 2021
Croatia’s ending was patchy, with photographs ceaselessly off beam, although Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was sharp when referred to as upon to push away a curling shot from Marcelo Brozovic within the first half.

Russia would have certified with a draw, and had little ambition apart from to outlive the 90 minutes. The Russians didn’t file a shot of any form till the 74th, and Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic didn’t should make a save. Even after Kudriashov’s own-goal modified the sport, the closest Russia got here to scoring was a long-range effort over the bar from defender Vyacheslav Karavaev. The loss was the primary for brand spanking new Russia coach Valery Karpin in his first seven video games in cost.
Third-place Slovakia eased to a 6-0 win over Malta. Slovenia beat Cyprus 2-1.