Dominant Croatia leaves Bulgaria no chance

With new head coach Ante Čačić making his debut, Vatreni celebrated a home victory against Bulgaria and can still hope to make it to France by claiming the second place.

Behind closed doors at Maksimir, Croatia could not wish a better start, since Luka Modrić found Ivan Perišić in the second minute, with new Inter player beating Mitrev to secure the lead.

The hosts did not slow down, but created more opportunities for Nikola Kalinić, Ivan Rakitić and Marko Pjaca, and Domagoj Vida having a goal disallowed for offside. Bulgarian Tonev hit his own post, while Danijel Subašić had only to watch out for Tonev and Zlatinski long-range efforts.

The second goal finally came in 42nd minute, when Rakitić played an attractive one-two with Kalinić and then hit the target to double Croatia's advantage.

In the second half, Croatia continued to press forward and control the developments on the pitch. Striker Kalinić kept searching for his goal, and team effort was rewarded ten minutes before final whistle.

Perišić's cross from the left found Kalinić, who put the ball home and made it 3:0. Duje Čop was sent off in the final minutes for a challenge on Popov, but Croatia's victory was already a done deal.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

In Group H, Italy won away at Azerbaijan 3:1, while Norway defeated Malta at home 2:0. In the last round, Malta play Croatia, Italy plays Norway, and Bulgaria plays Azerbaijan.

Group H:
1. Italy 21
2. Norway 19
3. Croatia 17
4. Bulgaria 8
5. Azerbaijan 6
6. Malta 2

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