© Reuters
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 Croatia's Ivan Perisic challenges Bulgaria's Zhivko Milanov (R) during their Euro 2016 group H Fans were not allowed into the ground in Zagreb following a racist incident in their 1-1 home draw against Italy in June. Croatia also had a point deducted. Saturday's result left Croatia, who have claimed at least a playoff spot, third with 17 points from nine games, two behind Norway, who beat Malta 2-0, and four adrift of leaders Italy, who booked a place at the finals with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan. Croatia, who have only once failed to reach the European Championship since independence in 1991, visit Malta in their final qualifier while Norway travel to Italy on Tuesday. The third-placed finishers will still have a chance to make it through to the finals via a two-legged playoff. Croatia have been on top form under new coach Ante Cacic, who last month replaced the sacked Niko Kovac, as they bounced back from disappointing performances in their previous two games. Ivan Perisic, the group's top scorer, put Croatia ahead inside an eerily silent stadium normally known for its deafening atmosphere with his fifth goal in the campaign following a nice through ball by Luka Modric after 88 seconds. Nikola Kalinic, replacing injured Mario Mandzukic, almost doubled Croatia's a few minutes later, the home side had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside and Bulgaria defender Georgi Terziev rattled the post of his own goal when attempted a panicked clearance. Lively Ivan Rakitic made it 2-0 with a low right-foot shot after playing a nifty one-two with Kalinic three minutes before the break. Kalinic completed the win from close range in the 81st minute following a precise cross from Perisic. Croatia substitute Duje Cop was sent off after a reckless challenge on Bulgaria defender Strahil Popov in the closing stages. Bulgaria, who have no chances of finishing among the top three in the group, were no match for the well-organised Croatians and struggled to contain them throughout the entire game. | |||||
dimanche 11 octobre 2015
Croatia outclass lacklustre Bulgaria to stay in contention
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