Reaction after late own goal condemns Russia to 1-0 defeat in Croatia

Croatia needed a late own goal to reach the 2022 World Cup finals thanks to a 1-0 home win over Russia in Split on Sunday.

Russia would have qualified with a draw, and appeared to have little ambition other than to survive the 90 minutes.

The Russians didn't record a shot of any kind until the 74th minute, and Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic didn't have to make a save.

Even after Fedor Kudriashov's own goal changed the game, the closest Russia came to scoring was a long-range effort over the bar from defender Vyacheslav Karavaev.

The defeat was the first for new Russia coach Valery Karpin in his first seven games in charge.