Croatia And Russia Face Off on Sunday in Group H's final match to decide who qualifies automatically for the 2022 World Cup after both recorded big wins.

Luka Modric was among the goalscorers for 2018 finalists Croatia as they thrashed Malta 7-1 in Ta' Qali.

Meanwhile, Russia hit five second-half goals as they beat visitors Cyprus 6-0.

Russia lead the group by two points, so a draw on Sunday would secure top spot and World Cup qualification, with the runners-up earning a play-off spot.

Aleksandr Erokhin scored in each half for Russia against Cyprus in St Petersburg, with Fedor Smolov, Andrey Mostovoy, Aleksei Sutormin and Anton Zabolotny also on target in the last 35 minutes.

Croatia And Russia Face Off  will ensure they go into Sunday's game in Split with a slight advantage.

Ahead of what promises to be the sternest test of Karpin's young international management career, Zenit skipper Lovren has warned the Russians that fire and brimstone awaits them when they touch down ahead of Sunday's game.

And speaking to the media this week, Lovren said that the 34,000 capacity Stadion Poljud, home of Hadjuk Split, will feel to the visitors like they are walking into hell.

"To be honest, I like the atmosphere at the stadium in Split even more [than their regular home in Zagreb]," he said, via translation.

 "There you will feel as if you are on a visit to the devil. It will be awesome!

"A real finale awaits us. Yes, the Croatian national team rarely plays in Split, so I think that people will gladly come to the stadium and give all their strength and emotions to support us. It will be great."

Sunday's fixture will be a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Sochi, which Croatia won on a penalty shootout – and Lovren knows that if this game ends as a draw after 90 minutes.

It will Russia celebrating at the final whistle and Croatia heading to the playoffs.

"Well, for us there will be only one possible option – victory," he said. "But we must be careful and attentive, because the Russian national team is creating good counterattacks. In any case, it will be a difficult match."