Robinson mistake hands Croatia win

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ZAGREB, Croatia -- A comical error by goalkeeper Paul Robinson helped Croatia claim a fully-deserved 2-0 win over a England in Zagreb, a result that puts them top of Euro 2008 qualifying group E on goal difference.

Robinson totally miskicked a 68th minute Gary Neville backpass, allowing the ball to trickle into the net, eight minutes after Eduardo da Silva had given the home side the lead with a looping header.

Croatia were in command from the start as England struggled to adapt to their unfamiliar 3-5-2 line-up and Robinson was forced into two great saves midway through the first half to deny Niko Kranjcar.

England finally managed an effort on goal in the 54th minute when Wayne Rooney shot over the bar but Croatia's creativity paid off on the hour when Nico Kovac curled in a deep cross from the left and da Silva was able to score with a simple looping header with Robinson stranded.

That ended the goalkeeper's chance of setting an England record of seven consecutive clean sheets.

Robinson's calamitous error then capped a forgettable night for England and extended Croatia's unbeaten home record in competitive games to 30.

England manager Steve McClaren took full responsibility for the defeat. "Croatia won the game because of my mistakes. The tactics obviously didn't work," he said. "I accept the plaudits when we win so I have to accept the criticism when we lose."

The unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation with regular fullbacks Gary Neville and Ashley Cole playing as wingbacks failed to click for England but McClaren was adamant he had no regrets about the change.

"I always believe we have to change the systems. It was my decision so it is also my responsibility but I have no regrets about it," he said.

"We settled down after the first 15 minutes and soaked up some heavy pressure. We knew this was a difficult place to come to and that we would be up against a good young team."

The coach also praised Robinson for a good first half performance and defended him despite his error.

"Robinson was outstanding all night and kept us in the game until the first goal, I was very disappointed with the cross that led to it," he said.

"He was very unlucky when the ball bounced over his foot for the second and that killed off the game."

McClaren's counterpart Slaven Bilic praised his team for an outstanding performance.

"This is a great victory against one of the best teams in the world and I think we fully deserved it," he said. "All credit to the players -- they did their job and were rewarded with the result we wanted."

Bilic said the win was a huge step for Croatia in their bid to reach the finals in Switzerland and Austria.

Russia claim first victory

Meanwhile, two late goals gave Russia a 2-0 victory over Estonia to kick start their qualifying campaign.

After two consecutive draws, Russia badly needed three points to keep them in touch in Group E but they had to wait until the 78th minute to break through when Pavel Pogrebnyak struck from close range.

Russia hardly threatened Estonia's goal but they wrapped up the victory in stoppage time when substitute Dmitry Sychev fired home from outside the area.

Estonia finished the match with 10 men after Raio Piiroja was sent off in the 90th minute. Russia, who now have five points, were held by Israel on Saturday having also shared the points with Croatia.

In the group's other match, Macedonia continued the good form they showed in drawing 0-0 with England on Saturday but winning 3-0 in Macedonia.

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