European Qualifiers: Croatia edge out Bulgaria with single goal win in Sofia

Croatia rode their luck in Sofia to beat Bulgaria 1-0 and claim their second victory from two games in Group H of the European Championship qualifiers.

The decisive moment arrived nine minutes before the break when Ivan Rakitic's free-kick was headed on by Ivan Perisic and turned into his own net by defender Nikolay Bodurov.

The goal certainly fired Bulgaria into action with Ivelin Popov and Vladimir Gadzhev both missing chances before the break.

In the second half, Georgi Iliev’s long range effort on 68 was deflected off target but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser at the Vassil Levski Stadium.

And as Bulgaria piled on the pressure during the latter stages, keeper Danijel Subasic saved well from home substitute Alexandar Tonev who let fly from 25 yards.

The result leaves Croatia second in the group behind former champions Italy who also have a 100% record from two games.