Niko Kovač Happy with ‘Fighting’ 3-Points in Sofia
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Croatia has continued its unbeaten start to their 2016 EURO qualifying campaign after beating Bulgaria in Sofia on Friday night…
An own-goal nine minutes before half time by Bulgarian defender Bodurov was enough to give Niko Kovač’s side an important 3-points, in a match that was stopped for 5 minutes in the first half after fans from both sides started an exchange of flares. Croatia were in control in the first half, with Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić dictating play. Croatia looked to sit back on their lead in the second spell, and the Bulgarians looked more dangerous than they did in the first 45.
“We battled for the whole 90 minutes, it was a tough match but congratulations to the guys on the great win. In the second half we sat back and waited for the counter attack but the guys showed their character out there tonight,” said Kovač after the win, adding that he was happy with how his midfield functioned, especially Marcelo Brozović.
Croatia’s next group match is against Azerbaijan in Osijek on Monday night.
Bulgaria 0:1 Croatia
Goals: Bodurov o.g
Croatia: Subašić – Srna, Ćorluka, Vida, Pranjić – Brozović, Modrić – Olić, Rakitić (78. Kovačić), Perišić – Mandžukić
