Since Azerbaijan and Slovakia drew (3:3) in the first match of the last round of Group C, Russia needed a win against host Croatia to secure the World Cup. With a draw or Croatia's victory, Croats would go to Lithuania, and Azerbaijan to playoffs. Russia would be out.
But, Russia secured the status of favorites and won 4:3 in an exciting match, which means they are the third country, after hosts Lithuania and Oceania champion the Solomon Islands, that secured the World Cup 2020.
In the first leg of Group C, hosts Serbia defeated Ukraine 5:2, and Spain was better than France (3:1).
Today, the last round of group A will be played (Portugal, Italy and, Finland are hoping to reach the finals), the second round of Group B and the first round of Group D).
(Foto: Screenshot YouTube & Uefa.com)