It was Fyodor Kudryashov own goal that put Croatia ahead in the 81st minute.
Croatia thus won first place in Group H with 23 points, one more than Russia.
Next year's will be Croatia's sixth World Cup.
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ZAGREB, 14 Nov (Hina) - Croatia's national football team will play the World Cup in Qatar next year after defeating Russia 1:0 in Split on Sunday in a decisive match for first place in Group H.
It was Fyodor Kudryashov own goal that put Croatia ahead in the 81st minute.
Croatia thus won first place in Group H with 23 points, one more than Russia.
Next year's will be Croatia's sixth World Cup.
(Hina) ha