Croatia and Finland share the spoils in Rijeka

Croatia national football team has shared the spoils (1:1) with Finland at Rujevica Stadium in the ninth round European Qualifiers.

Ćorluka, Kovačić, N. Kalinić, Pjaca, Lovren, Jedvaj, and Barišić were all unavailable due to injuries, while Badelj was suspended. On the other hand, the game was a very special occasion for captain Modrić, who celebrated his 100th Croatia cap and received gifts. 

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Despite having more than 70-percent ball possession, Croatia did not manage to find a breakthrough in the first half. Vida came really close on 21 minute, when Schüller cleared his header off the line.

Previously, Vrsaljko finished a quality move with a low shot that went just wide and later on Hradecky saved Modrić's free-kick. Moreover, Perišić had two efforts that did not find the target.

Croatia's pressure in the opening minutes of the second-half was capitalized on 57 minutes, following a quality Modrić effort and an excellent Subašić's save on Pohjanpalo's header. It was Mandžukić who tapped in Pivarić' low cross that was deflected off visitors' defence.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Later on, Modrić and Rog took a shot from distance, but Finland did a better job in the closing minutes, creating several dangerous situation in Croatia's box. Finally, the debutant Soiri beat Subašić on 90 minutes to make it 1:1.

This evening, Iceland won away at Turkey 3:0, while Ukraine celebrated a 2:0 win at Kosovo. On Monday, Croatia visits Ukraine, Iceland hosts Kosovo, and Finland plays against Turkey.

2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group I:
1. Iceland 19
2. Croatia 17
3. Ukraine 17
4. Turkey 14
5. Finland 8
6. Kosovo 1

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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