Rijeka, Nov 15 || Croatia secured its place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands, overcoming an early setback to end the visitor's slim qualifying hopes in the ninth round of World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
The host was caught off guard when Geza David Turi capitalized on a break in midfield, sending a driven, low shot that deflected past Croatia's goalkeeper at the near post, providing the Faroe Islands with a surprising early lead and temporarily shifting the atmosphere at Stadion Rujevica, reports.
Croatia, however, responded with maturity and precision. Seven minutes after the opener, defender Josko Gvardiol capitalized on a loose rebound, shifting the ball to his stronger foot before expertly drilling a composed left-footed shot into the corner, restoring parity.
This equalizer proved to be a turning point, as the home side increased the tempo, stretching the Faroese defensive lines, and dictating play in midfield while searching for openings.