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16:16, 13-Nov-2017
2018 World Cup: Croatia qualify for 5th time, Switzerland advance
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Croatia qualified for their fifth World Cup after following up their convincing playoff first-leg win over Greece with a goalless draw in Athens.
Zlatko Dalic's side made sure of a place in Russia next summer by closing out a dour game that contained few chances. Dalic had been appointed in October after Croatia sacked their previous manager, Ante Cacic, following a 1-1 draw with Finland towards the end of the group stages of qualifying.
The result in Piraeus means Croatia have qualified for 10 out of 12 major tournaments since the Balkan state was founded in 1991. They have also won all five of their playoff ties to reach either World Cup or European Championship tournaments.
Fabian Schar of Switzerland tackles Jamie Ward of Northern Ireland. /VCG Photo
Fabian Schar of Switzerland tackles Jamie Ward of Northern Ireland. /VCG Photo
Switzerland held off Northern Ireland to seal a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 0-0 second-leg draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate playoff victory.
Vladimir Petkovic's side wasted numerous first-half chances as the Northern Irish stayed in the tie, but Ricardo Rodriguez's controversial first-leg penalty in Belfast proved enough for the Swiss to reach their fourth consecutive World Cup.
Northern Ireland fell short in their bid to reach a first finals since 1986.