After Wales' slip-up: Croatia on the brink of direct qualification for the European Championship
Croatia once again has the best prospects of taking part in next year's European Football Championship in Germany. The World Cup bronze medallists won 2:0 (2:0) in Latvia and are now second in the table after their rivals Wales lost 1:1 in Armenia.
Croatia and captain Luka Modric have 13 points and a win against Armenia on Tuesday (8.45pm) at the end of Group D will secure them a direct ticket to the European Championship. Wales (11) have to play Turkey, who have already qualified, at the same time and hope for help.
Bundesliga pros meet
Two Bundesliga professionals scored for the Croatian national team in Riga, Latvia. Wolfsburg's Lovro Majer scored the 1:0 in the seventh minute. Andrej Kramarić from 1899 Hoffenheim made it 2-0 nine minutes later against the harmless Latvians after Majer's assist.
Wales, on the other hand, missed out on a better starting position with a 1-1 (1-1) draw in Armenia. Nair Tiknisjan's own goal in first-half stoppage time at least ensured an equalizer. Argentinian-born Lucas Zelarayán had scored for the hosts after five minutes.
Croatia's victory over Latvia brings them closer to direct qualification for the European Championship, with a win against Armenia securing their spot. Despite losing points in Armenia, Wales still have a chance to qualify, but they'll need help as they face Turkey, who have already secured their place.
Source: www.dpa.com
