Croatia and Switzerland take an important advantage
Croatia and Switzerland took important steps to secure a place in next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Despite winning by one goal, Switzerland claimed an important win as they won away and the home team didn’t score.
On the other hand, Croatia are almost certain of qualifying winning 4-1 against Greece.
They took the lead after 13 minutes as they were given a clear penalty after Greece goalkeeper Karnezis lost the control of the ball and fouled Nikola Kalinic inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot Luka Modric scored with a wellplaced shot.
They doubled their lead six minutes later. Nikola Kalinic concluded successfully a low cross by Ivan Strinic, and beat Karnezis with a fine touch from close range.
Greece reduced the margin on the half hour mark as Sokratis Papastathopoulos beat Subasic with a header on the second post after a corner from the left.
But the goal that seemed important, started to become irrelevant as Croatia regained their two-goal cushion three minutes later. Sime Vrsaljko crossed a great ball from the right side to Ivan Perisic who was in the right position to head past the Greece goalkeeper.
Croatia scored even the fourth goal four minutes into the second half as Andrej Kramaric scored from close range to make things more difficult for Greece in the return leg.
In the other match, Switzerland claimed an important win as they defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 away from home.
The goal that decided the game came on the 58th minute when a shot by Xherdan Shaqiri was handled in the penalty area by Corry Evans. From the penalty spot, defender Ricardo Rodriguez scored with a shot on his right side.
Yesterday
Croatia vs Greece N. Ireland v Switzerland
Today
Sweden vs Italy
Tomorrow
Denmark vs Ireland 4-1 0-1