Croatia failed to pull clear at the top of the group table, after only managing to draw its Euro 2008 qualifier match against Russia on Wednesday.

Russia was lucky to escape with the draw after Slaven Bilic's team failed to covert even one of the numerous chances that fell its way. The first chance of the match fell to Josip Simunic as early as in the first minute, but the defender saw his header fly wide of the goal.

Five minutes later Simunic tried again, but the Hertha Berlin defender's header flashed across the goal, just in front of two Croatian players rushing to reach the ball. Croatia had to withdraw Darijo Srna in the eighth minute due to injury and was replaced by Jerko Leko.

Croatia continued to press forward, with Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Modric leading the attack from the midfield. The 21-year old saw his 16th minute effort fly wide of the goal. Russia looked unable to contain Modric and he nearly created the first goal of the match, when his cross escaped everyone before falling to Eduardo da Silva who somehow managed to sky the ball into the crowd from just six yards out.

Russia looked incapable of mounting any serious threat on the Croatian goal and had to be satisfied with half chances. Aleksandr Kerzhakov saw his 20th minute effort fly wide of the goal and Russia looked relieved to hear the half time whistle.

Croatia continued to press forward to take the lead and nearly did so in the 50th minute when defender Vedran Corluka's diving header just sneaked wide of the post. The best chance of the match fell to Eduardo in the 58th minute, when he latched on to the ball after a confusion in the Russian penalty area, went around keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev and should have scored the goal, but his weak effort was easily cleared by Sergei Ignashevich.

Ignashevich nearly scored at the other end, but saw his free kick effort saved brilliantly by Stipe Pletikosa. Though Croatia continued to create a number of chances, they were unable to convert any and Russia managed to hold on to claim a point. Croatia v Russia ended goalless with a stalemate 0-0.