World Cup qualifier: Croatia holds Russia to goalless draw

The result left Croatia top of Group H on seven points from four games, ahead of second-placed Russia on goal difference.

Published : Sep 02, 2021 08:17 IST , MOSCOW

Croatia and Russia both stayed on course to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after they fought out a 0-0 stalemate devoid of any fireworks in an uneventful Group H qualifier on Wednesday.

The result left Croatia top of the group on seven points from four games, ahead of second-placed Russia on goal difference. Slovakia is third on six points after a 1-1 home draw with fourth-placed Slovenia, which is on four points.

Russia's new coach Valeri Karpin had hoped for a more sparkling debut but his side created very little up front against a well-organised Croatian defence featuring debutant Borna Sosa on the left flank.

READ : World Cup qualifier: Griezmann cancels out Dzeko opener as France held to draw

Arsen Zakharyan, an 18-year old who became the youngest outfield player to feature for Russia, drew a fingertip save from visiting goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic with a rasping shot from the edge of the area in the 15th minute.

Ivan Perisic should have fired the Croatians ahead in the 43rd but scuffed his shot wide of the far post before Livakovic kept out an Aleksei Ionov effort early in the second half.

With the pace fizzing out, the home team's Brazilian-born goalkeeper Guilherme smothered a Luka Ivanusec shot in the 82nd minute.

Croatia stretched its unbeaten record against the Russians to five games.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment