Important win in Sofia
One goal gives Croatia three points in Bulgaria
10.10.2014.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
In its second match on the road towards EURO 2016 in France, Niko Kovač's men achieved their second victory.
EURO 2016 qualifying round, Group H.
Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia.
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
Goalscorer: 0:1 - Bodurov (36', og)
Yellow cards: Zanev (16'), Brozović (23'), Vida (51'), Olić (84')
Bulgaria: Stoyanov, A. Popov, Zanev (46' Iliev), Bodurov, Minev, Manolev, I. Popov, Milanov, Gadzhev (68' Tonev), Dyakov, Micanski (46' Galabinov). Head coach: L. Penev.
Croatia: Subašić, Pranjić, Ćorluka, Vida, Srna, Rakitić (80' Kovačić), Modrić, Brozović, Perišić, Olić, Mandžukić. Head coach: N. Kovač.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
After winning start against Malta, Croatia bagged three points in a difficult away match at Bulgaria as well.
Croatia successfully parried Bulgarian efforts of aggressive play at the beginning, and a half an hour into the match started to threaten goalkeeper Stoyanov.
The home team defence stopped Perišić's shot in 28th minute, Pranjić grazed the crossbar a couple of minutes later, and in 36th minute Croatia managed to score. Rakitić's cross was met by Perišić, and Bodurov sent the ball into his own net.
Brozović soon tried with a thunderous shot from outside of the box, while Bulgaria had their chance just before the break, but Gadzhev missed the target.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Bulgarians managed to put some pressure on Croatia in the second half. Popov and Tonev came close with their long-range efforts, calling Subašić into action.
However, Croatian defence held on, and Perišić and Brozović failed to score Croatia's second in the dying minutes, which did not diminish the level of visitors' joy.
In other group matches, Norway won at Malta 3:0, and Italy overcame Azerbaijan at home 2:1. Croatia plays Azerbaijan in Osijek on Monday, 13 October.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
EURO 2016 qualifying, Group H:
1. Italy 6 (4:1)
2. Croatia 6 (3:0)
3. Norway 3 (3:2)
4. Bulgaria 3 (2:2)
5. Azerbaijan 0 (2:4)
6. Malta 0 (0:5)
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