Luka Modric (L) of Croatia vies with Rasmus Schuller of Finland during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers match between Croatia and Finland in Rijeka, Croatia on Oct. 6, 2017. The match ended with a 1-1 draw. (Xinhua/Sanjin Strukic)
RIJEKA, Oct. 6 -- Croatia could miss the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a shocking 1-1 home draw against Finland on Friday night in Rijeka.
Croatia got into the lead through Mario Mandzukic's goal in the 57th minute after dominating most of the match. At that moment it seemed that Croatian stars will manage to shake off the pressure and score some more to get the much needed three points.
Instead, it was visiting team which took over the control of the ball and created chances.
Until the 90th minute Croatian defense managed to escape all dangerous situations without the scratch. Waiting to hear referee's last whistle and get the win home side let the visitors to control the ball and attack.
One lost ball in the middle of the field and indecision in Croatian defensive line led to the shocking scenario. Late substitute 23-year-old Pyry Soiri got the ball in the penalty box and calmly put it past Croatian goalkeeper Daniel Subasic and into the net for the well deserved equalizer.
The point that Finland won in Rijeka couldn't improve its chances to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but two points that Croatia lost on Friday night deteriorated its chances to win the group and gain direct spot in the final tournament.
Croatia managed to qualify for the World Cup final tournament four out of five times and two out of those four times the path led through the November play-offs.?