Tough encounter in Russia

Goalless in Moscow: Croatia remains top of the group

01.09.2021.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

In the first September FIFA World Cup qualifier, Croatia visited Russia in a game that produced no goals.

RUSSIA - CROATIA 0:0 (0:0)
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group H.
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Referee: R. Reinshreiber (Israel)

Goal: -

Cautions: Barinov (35'), Cheryshev (90+3')

Russia: Guilherme, Karavaev, Dzhikiya, Diveev, Fernandes (78' Samoshnikov), Golovin, Barinov, Kuzyaev (84' Erokhin), Zaharyan (70' Cheryshev), Ionov (70' Bakaev), Miranchuk (46' Zabolotnyi). Head coach: V. Karpin.

Croatia: Livaković, Sosa, Lovren, Ćaleta-Car (84' Škorić), Juranović, Brozović, Kovačić, Pašalić (70' Ivanušec), Vlašić, Perišić (74' Livaja), Kramarić (74' Oršić). Head coach: Z. Dalić.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Following this summer's UEFA EURO, Zlatko Dalić's men continued the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The first September task was a visit to Moscow.

The match did not offer plenty of content, and Livaković stopped Zaharyan's powerful shot in what was Russia's best chance of the first half, while Croatia responded shortly before the break. Kramarić came up just short following a great Kovačić's through ball, and Perišić missed the target after Juranović's cross from the right.

As the second half begun, Livaković was called to action once again, and the hosts provided several dangerous moves towards the Croatian box. The Vatreni were more lively in the closing minutes, with the substitute Ivanušec and energetic Kovačić having the best opportunities.

Thus, Croatia remained top of the qualifying Group H. Slovenia and Slovakia shared the spoils in Ljubljana (1:1), and Malta defeated Cyprus (3:0).

In three days time, Croatia take on Slovakia in Bratislava, and finally hosts Slovenia in Split.

2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group H:
1. Croatia 7
2. Russia 7
3. Slovakia 6
4. Slovenia 4
5. Malta 4
6. Cyprus 4

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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