MOSCOW, Jan 24 team of Croatia as part of the qualifying round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, said the forward of the Russians and Dynamo Moscow Fedor Smolov. The meeting took place on November 14, 2021 in Split (Croatia) and ended with a score of 1:0 in favor of the hosts. Because of that defeat, Valery Karpin's team missed the lead in Group H and could not directly qualify for the final round of the 2022 World Cup, making it to the play-offs.
"The main thing was the psychological moment. Unfortunately, the fact that a draw suited us played a cruel joke on us. Somewhere this prevented us from getting in the right mood — I think we lost even before the game, because we were scared & # 34;, — the media service of & # 34; Dynamo & # 34; quoted Smolov as saying.
The forward also expressed support for the defender of the Russian national team Fedor Kudryashov , whose own goal was decisive in the match against Croatia. «After the game, I went up to him and hugged him. I have known him for a long time. He is a very good guy and a good footballer. Just an unfortunate coincidence. I supported him and said:» Fedya, please stop bathe. It's not your fault and you didn't do anything. Do not pay attention. Nobody blames you. It's okay, we're all together!» — added Smolov.