Croatia national football team will be among the best European nations in France 2016! Ante Čačić's men beat Malta 1:0 away on Tuesday and skipped Norway to take second place in Group H.

As expected, Croatia put the pressure on the host nation after finding its rhythm in the opening minutes, with Nikola Kalinić and Ivan Perišić failing the convert the first opportunities.

Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg had to pick up the ball from the back of the net in 25th minute, when the cross from the right hand side reached Perišić, who struck it first-time, and scored with a small deflection.

Vatreni could have scored more before half-time, but Perišić and Marko Pjaca fired over the bar on two occasions.

In the second half, Croatia managed to hold the advantage, with Pjaca, Perišić and Kramarić all coming close to scoring another, while Danijel Subašić kept a cool head during a couple of interventions of his own.

 

Croatian players celebrate qualification for @UEFAEURO! Congratulations boys!!! #BeProud #BudiPonosan #Croatia pic.twitter.com/VtV04zNhTb

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) October 13, 2015

In the remaining two matches, Italy defeated Norway 2:1 to stay the top of the group, while Bulgaria beat Azerbaijan at home 2:0. Norway will enter the play-offs.

 

Captain @SrnaDarijo leads the celebration in Croatian dressing room after booking a place at @UEFAEURO. #BeProud pic.twitter.com/uakoRIp7xe

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) October 13, 2015

Group H:
1. Italy 24
2. Croatia 20
3. Norway 19
4. Bulgaria 11
5. Azerbaijan 6
6. Malta 2