Croatia make light work of Malta
Reuters - Friday 02 September 2011, 19:33
TA'QALI - Croatia kept up the
pressure on Euro 2012 Group F leaders Greece by easing to a 3-1
qualifying victory over rock bottom Malta on Friday.
Trailing the pacesetters by four points after Greece edged
Israel 1-0 earlier in the day, Croatia had no margin for error
against a home team who had lost their opening six games.
Defender Dejan Lovren wrapped up the points for Slaven
Bilic's side with a third goal midway through the second half
after Malta had briefly revived their hopes thanks to captain
Michael Mifsud late in the first half.
Croatia took only 11 minutes to open the scoring. Receiving
a pass just outside the penalty box, Ognjen Vukojevic hit a firm
drive that took a deflection as it sailed past goalkeeper Andrew
Hogg.
Malta came close to equalising midway through the first half
when John Hutchinson's effort from outside the box flew just
wide of Stipe Pletikosa's left-hand post.
After Darijo Srna threatened a second goal with a swerving
free-kick, Croatia eventually extended their lead on 32 minutes.
Sime Vrsaljko flicked the ball towards Milan Badelj who ran
through to beat Hogg from close-range.
Malta grabbed a lifeline seven minutes before half-time when
Mifsud netted after good work by Roderick Briffa.
Croatia sealed their win on 68 minutes when Lovren beat Hogg
with a downward header after a good cross by Badelj from the
right.