Joyous scenes in Split

Croatia overcomes Russia to reach the World Cup in Qatar!

14.11.2021.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

Croatia, the current FIFA World Cup runners-up, secures another major tournament berth - the road to Qatar was completed with a tough victory over Russia, in the final qualifier!

CROATIA - RUSSIA 1:0 (0:0)
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group H.
Poljud Stadium, Split.

Referee: D. Makkelie (Netherlands)

Goals: 1:0 - Kudryashov (81' - ag)

Cautions: Golovin (51'), Smolov (55'), Livaja (89'), Grbić (90+3')

Croatia: Grbić, Sosa, Gvardiol, Lovren, Juranović (75' Brekalo), Brozović, Pašalić (75' Livaja), Modrić, Perišić, Vlašić (58' Petković), Kramarić (86' Stanišić). Head coach: Z. Dalić.

Russia: Safonov, Kudryashov, Dzhikiya, Diveev, Karavaev, Golovin (56' Chistyakov), Barinov, Fomin (80' Glebov), Bakaev (78' Mostovoy), Ionov (57' Zobnin), Smolov (57' Zabolotnyi). Head coach: V. Karpin.

Following six wins, two draws, and one loss, Zlatko Dalić's men required a home victory over Russia to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The decisive match in Split had to be played in difficult, rainy conditions, which made Croatia's task even tougher, but the Vatreni were up to it. Team spirit, skills, and effort provided opportunities, and Croatia was eventually rewarded.

There was no breakthrough until the closing stages, however. Kramarić and Pašalić failed to convert the best of chances, Perišić and Petković followed suit, while Brozović was trying from distance. Moreover, young Russian goalie Safonov proved his quality.

Ten minutes from time, Sosa crossed from the left, and Russian defender Kudryashev sent the ball into his own net, with Croatia securing 12th major tourament berth since independence.

2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group H:
1. Croatia 23
2. Russia 22
3. Slovakia 14
4. Slovenia 14
5. Cyprus 5
6. Malta 5

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