Sluga on the bench as Croatia put seven past Malta to ensure 2022 World Cup play-off place

Town keeper Simon SlugaTown keeper Simon Sluga
Town keeper Simon Sluga
Keeper gears up for Russian test

Town keeper Simon Sluga was left on the bench as Croatia thrashed Malta 7-1 in their 2022 World Cup qualifier last night.

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Ivan Perisic fired Croatia into a sixth-minute lead in Ta' Qali, while Duje Caleta-Car doubled their advantage when he headed home Luka Modric's free-kick.

Marcelo Brozovic's own goal saw Malta pull one back, as Mario Pasalic and Modric made it 4-1 by the break.

In the second period, Lovro Majer (2) and Andrej Kramaric were on target as Croatia are now guaranteed a play-off place, although they could win automatic qualification if they beat group leaders Russia on Sunday.

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