Croatia punches World Cup ticket as Dutch inch closer to qualification

Croatia secured a place at next year's World Cup with a 3-1 win that ended tiny Faroe Islands' dream on Friday and the Netherlands moved closer to qualification by drawing in Poland.

Croatia knew before kickoff that avoiding defeat in Rijeka would guarantee qualification but it was caught cold in the 16th minute when Geza David Turi scored with a deflected shot.

The 2018 World Cup runner-up quickly recovered, however, as Josko Gvardiol leveled in the 23rd. Making his return to the national team after two years away, Petar Musa put Croatia ahead 2-1 after halftime from Josip Stanisic's assist. In complete control, Croatia added a third goal when Nikola Vlasic volleyed in a precise cross from Ivan Perisic at the far post.

It was Faroe Islands' final match in Group L and the team will finish behind runner-up the Czech Republic. The second-placed team advances to the playoffs for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Montenegro beat Gibraltar 2-1 in the group's other game.

Big draw for the Dutch

Coach Ronald Koeman's Netherlands came from behind in Warsaw to draw with Poland 1-1 and take a major step toward direct qualification in Group G.

With one match left to play, the Dutch top the group, three points clear of the Poles after Memphis Depay's second-half equalizer canceled Jakub Kaminski's opener. The Netherlands also has a much better goal difference before the final match against Lithuania. Poland takes on Malta on Monday.