Draw ousts Serbia, sets back Croatia

Serbia are out of the FIFA World Cup after a home draw with neighbours Croatia, who themselves lost ground on Group A leaders Belgium.

Had Croatia held on to the 53rd-minute lead given to them by Mario Mandžukić, they would have remained within three points of Belgium, who they welcome on 11 October in the group decider. But while Aleksandar Mitrović's leveller could not save Serbia's hopes, it has certainly dented Croatia's aspirations of finishing top.

It was against the run of play that Mandžukić broke the deadlock, producing a low shot after Darijo Srna's fine pass. The lead only lasted 13 minutes, substitute Miralem Sulejmani's corner headed in by Mitrović.

Both teams ended with ten men, first Serbia's Nemanja Matić receiving a second yellow card then Josip Šimunić getting a straight red for a foul on Sulejmani. Serbia did nearly win it at the end but Stipe Pletikosa stopped substitute Radosav Petrović's header.