Croatia vs Russia
Group H of UEFA’s World Cup 2022 qualifying could very well go down to the wire as Croatia and Russia meet in the group finale with top spot – and automatic qualification for Qatar – possibly on the line.
The Russians currently have a two-point lead over Croatia at the top of the table, and that figures to still be the case after the two teams’ very winnable games against the bottom-two sides, Malta and Cyprus.
The Croatians have come on strong in recent months, and the World Cup 2022 betting odds will favour them to get the result they need at home.
But the Russians have also been unbeatable of late due to their much-improved defence under new coach Valeri Karpin and could need only a draw in Croatia to clinch top spot in Group H.
So read on below as SBOTOP breaks down this potential group-deciding showdown in Split.
Talking Points
Croatia still hoping to catch Russia
After reaching the World Cup final in Russia in 2018, Croatia are in second place in Group H and are already assured at least a spot in the play-offs to qualify for this upcoming World Cup. However, they still have a shot at overtaking leaders Russia, who have a two point-lead, for that automatic spot.
Croatia should handle minnows Malta with relatively few problems to set up the crunch match with the Russians in Split. A win in that match would see them top the group.
However, Zlatko Dalic will be missing a few key players for that huge game at home. Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic and Torino winger Josip Brekalo are both out due to injury. Meanwhile, Dalic still refuses to recall Milan forward Ante Rebic after a heated exchange.
On the bright side, veterans Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Dejan Lovren are all in the squad to provide some much-needed leadership for the big game.
Lovren missed the last round of qualifiers, and he was sorely missed as Croatia surrendered two goals at home in a 2-2 draw against Slovakia. Croatia have conceded just three goals in the whole qualifying campaign, so they will expect to return to their best form defensively with Lovren back.
Meanwhile, the in-form Mario Pasalic could get a chance to feature in midfield in Kovacic’s absence. The Atalanta man has three goals and four assists in 16 appearances for the Italian side this season. Pasalic has also come up big in qualifying with two goals.
Karpin leading remarkable Russian revival
Croatia’s draw with Slovakia opened the door for Russia to grab top spot for themselves. The Russians beat Slovenia 2-1 away last time out, their fourth win in a row in qualifying.
Valeri Karpin has made a remarkable impact upon his arrival as head coach. The 52-year-old, who took over from Stanislav Cherchesov following the Euros, has produced some impressive World Cup 2022 results. He is unbeaten in his first five games in charge (4 wins, 1 draw) with just one goal conceded.
Karpin has made a big call not to call up Artem Dzyuba – the country’s all-time co-leading scorer with 33 goals – since the Euros. But the Russians have found a way to cope without the star striker. Their last seven goals have been scored by seven different players.
Meanwhile, the 4-3-3 system Karpin has implemented with 22-year-old Igor Diveev and Georgiy Dzhikiya at the heart of the defence has been rock solid. The two centre-backs also got the goals in Russia’s 2-1 win over Slovenia.
Russia are expected to continue that impressive defensive record against Group H’s bottom side Cyprus, who have scored a mere three goals in qualifying, to maintain their lead over Croatia heading into the final group game.
History
This will be just the sixth time Croatia and Russia will collide in international competition. Croatia went unbeaten in the first five games against the Russians, with two wins and three draws.
They drew their first meeting in qualifying 0-0 last September in Moscow, which happened to be Karpin’s first game in charge.
The lone match they two have had in Croatia came in 2007 and it also ended in a goalless draw. Croatia captain Luka Modric featured in that game.
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