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

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

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.