Celtic defender Josip Juranovic has secured his place at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with his nation Croatia.
As we head into the final few qualifications fixtures for next years international competition, more nations are beginning to add to those competing at the tournament or a place in the play-off, as Scotland did on Friday evening.
However, Juranovic became the first player to officially have a place at the World Cup next year, as Croatia came out 1-0 winners in the final fixture against Russia.
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⏹️ It's over! #Croatia prevails! ?#BeProud | #CRORUS | #WCQ | #Vatreni❤️? pic.twitter.com/lQEOithS0j
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 14, 2021
Going into the final game between the two sides, it all came down to the final 90 minutes to see which side would finish top of the qualification group, with both Croatia and Russia within two points of each other.
Juranovic started the game and came in for a lot of praise, as his international side pushed to get a winner in the game.
The right-back was replaced on the 75th-minute mark, as Zlatko Dalic’s side went more attacking, knowing they needed a late goal.
They found the goal in the 81st minute, as Russian defender Fedor Kudryashov turned the ball into his own net, securing the opposition’s position at the top of Group H.
It is always good to see Celtic players representing their countries on the big stage at a World Cup, and that will be no different for Juranovic.
Next year’s competition is set to have a significant factor in the league scheduling issues, though, with it taking place next Decemeber.
