Croatia draws 1-1 with Turkey in World Cup qualifier

Kosovo claims historic first goal, draw against Finland in debut

ANKARA (AA) – The 2018 World Cup qualifier match between Croatia and Turkey ended in a 1-1 draw Monday at the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb.

Croatia took the lead in the 44th minute on a penalty kick by Ivan Rakitic who placed the shot into the bottom left corner.

In the 48th minute of the first half, Hakan Calhanoglu scored the equalizer for Turkey with a free kick that deflected off a Croatian player.

The two other World Cup qualifier matches in Group I between Finland and Kosovo as well as Ukraine and Iceland each ended in 1-1 draw.

Kosovo played its first competitive match Monday as Valon Berisha made history by scoring that country’s first-ever goal after it declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and joined FIFA in May.

All six teams in Group I each have one point.

The next stage of Group I qualifying matches will be played on Oct. 6. Turkey will host Ukraine, Kosovo will host Croatia and Iceland will host Finland.

Kaynak:

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