BORE DRAW PERFECT FOR PERISIC & CO

CROATIA parked the bus in Athens to steer themselves safely through to their fifth World Cup finals appearance.

The game only had one shot on target, with the tie over as a contest after Croatia’s 4-1 win in Zagreb. The visitors went closest, with Ivan Perisic (below) hitting the post from 30 yards. Greece were much improved from the side called an “unprecedented disgrace” by domestic media in the first leg – but never looked like mounting a comeback.

They should have had a penalty early on when Ivan Strinic fouled Zeca, but Croatia were instead awarded a free-kick. Dimitrios Pelkas put the ball into an empty net late on, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The Balkan nation did not have any supporters at the game, as both federations agreed to ban away fans from the two legs because of the possibility of violence.