Croatia put three past Malta

Croatia took the lead on the 11^th minute when Ognken Vukojevic’s low powerful shot left no chance for Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

Croatia doubled the score on the 32^nd minute thanks to a brilliant back-heel past to Milan Badelj from Vrsaljko.  Badelj found no problem to find the back of the net to make the score 2-0.

Malta were back in the match on the 38^th minute thanks to Michael Mifsud. Roderick Briffa setup Mifsud with his pass to have the latter beat goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa from inside the area.

Just four minutes into the second half, Croatia went close to increasing the lead when Ivan Perisic’s header hit the woodwork.

On the 68^th minute, Croatia would not be denied when Milan Badelj setup Dejan Lovren with a perfect cross to have the latter head the ball in from close range.

The victory for Croatia enables them to keep pace with group leaders Greece who defeated Israel 1-0 also on Friday.

Malta: A Hogg, M Muscat, G Sciberras, A Agius, R Fenech (88' C Mamo), C Failla, R Briffa (74’ J Pace), M Mifsud (82’ I Woods), A Cohen, J Hutchison, A Schembri.

Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Steve Borg, Paul Fenech, Trevor Cilia.

Coach: John Buttigieg

Croatia: S Pletikosa, I Strinic, D Lovren, V Corluka, M Badelj (81’ E Da Silva), O Vukojevic, D Srna, M Mandzukic, I Klasnic (46’ N Kalinic), I Perisic (68’ T Dujmovic), S Vrsaljko.

Subs not used: Daniel Subasic, Josip Simunic, Nikica Jelavic, Luka Modric.

Coach: Slaven Bilic

Referee: Tony chapron (FRA)

Assistant Referee: Emmanuel Boisdenghien, Fredji Harchay (FRA)

Fouth official: Fredy Fautrel (FRA)

Goals: O Vukojevic 11’ , Badelj 32’, M Mifsud 38’ , Lovren 68’

Yellow cards: R Fenech, Mandzukovic, Corluka, Failla