BRATISLAVA (Slovakia), Sep 5: Marcelo Brozovic scored in the 86th minute as Croatia finally broke down a tenacious Slovakia 1-0 to stay firmly in the hunt for a World Cup qualifying place on Saturday.
A poor Slovakia clearance at a free kick went straight to Brozovic, who hit a low volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Inflicting a first defeat on previously unbeaten Slovakia left Croatia – the 2018 World Cup runner-up -on 10 points, the same number as Europe Group H leader Russia.
Russia moved past Croatia into first place thanks to beating Cyprus 2-0 on goals by Alexander Erokhin and Rifat Zhemaletdinov. Russia and Croatia have the same goal difference but Russia has scored eight to Croatia’s five.
It was the first win for new Russia coach Valery Karpin after he started his tenure with a 0-0 draw against Croatia on Wednesday.
Slovenia overtook Slovakia for third place after Sandi Lovric’s penalty edged Malta 1-0.
Denmark’s smallest opponent was its toughest yet as the Danes needed an 85th-minute goal to beat the Faeroe Islands on Saturday and keep intact its 100% record in World Cup qualifying.
Denmark was on course for its first scoreless draw after starting the campaign with four wins until Jonas Wind headed in from a free kick with five minutes remaining. The Faeroe Islands had been reduced to 10 men shortly before after Rene Joensen picked up a second yellow card.
That gave Denmark its fifth win from five games and preserved its commanding five-point lead at the top of Europe Group F.
Denmark is the only team in European qualifying yet to concede a goal, and its 17 scored are the joint most of any team.
Israel tightened its hold on second place with a 5-2 home win over Austria. Eran Zahavi scored twice, three days after his hat trick against the Faeroe Islands.
Austria fought back to 3-2 from 3-0 down before Shon Weissman and Zahavi stretched Israel’s lead again.
Scotland was third in Group F, two points behind Israel, after wasting chances but still beating last-placed Moldova 1-0. (AP)
