Croatia have secured their place in the Qatar 2022 World Cup after a 1 – 0 win against Russia on Sunday.
Russia’s calamitous own goal in the late minutes of the game earned Croatia their win after a tightly contested game on a waterlogged pitch.
Russia had initially maintained a tough defense against Croatia before Kidryashov’s mistake costed them the game.
An early header from Andrej Kramaric set the tone for a first half in which Croatia had the lion’s share of possession and piled on the pressure in search of an opener.
Marcelo Brozovic also shaved the bar with a long-range effort, before both he and Josip Juranovic forced saves from Russian keeper Matvey Safonov.
Safonov beat away another Kramaric header with a reflex save just after the break, before denying substitute Bruno Petkovic on the hour mark.
The conditions made it harder and harder for Croatia as the second half progressed, with the pitch becoming ever more boggy under the heavy rain.
As the second half progressed, the conditions became increasingly difficult for Croatia, with the surface becoming increasingly muddy due to the continuous rain.
Although Croatia automatically qualifies as the group leader, Russia can also secure her spot in the playoffs.
