Baku-Sana
Croatia missed out on a three-point lead at the top of Group E in the Euro 2020 qualifiers after world champions runner-up drew 1-1 with hosts Azerbaijan.
Croatia took the lead with a Luka Modric penalty after 11 minutes due to a handball against Anton Krivutsiok but paid the price for missed opportunities before Tamil Khalilzad equalized in the 72nd minute.
Azerbaijan goalkeeper Emile Balayev saved two opportunities from Nikola Vlasic while the referee canceled two goals for the hosts for offside.
The result is disappointing for Croatia, who won 4-0 in Slovakia on Friday, while Croatian coach Nikola Jursevic gave a boost after a modest start to the qualifiers.
Croatia temporarily moved up to the top with 10 points from five games, one point ahead of second-placed Hungary, who have played four games and are also at home to Slovakia today.
Wales and Slovakia have six points per team from four games, while Azerbaijan got the first point in five games.
