Soccer - Croatia hold Russia to goalless draw

FILE PHOTO: Football - Celtic v Spartak Moscow - UEFA Champions League Group G - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland - 12/13 - 5/12/12 Spartak Moscow coach Karpin Valery Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Croatia and Russia both stayed on course to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after they fought out a 0-0 stalemate devoid of any fireworks in an uneventful Group H qualifier on Wednesday.

The result left Croatia top of the group on seven points from four games, ahead of second-placed Russia on goal difference. Slovakia are third on six points after a 1-1 home draw with fourth-placed Slovenia, who have four points.