Croatia struggle past lively Malta
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Article summary
Malta 0-1 Croatia A first-minute Tomislav Busić goal gave Croatia a narrow win against a Malta side who gave them some awkward moments.
Article body
Croatia stayed top in Group 8 after taking just 52 seconds to penetrate the Maltese defence in Ta' Qali, but they failed to hit the target again as the home side put up an encouraging performance. Tomislav Busić’s early goal leaves the Croats with 21 points from eight matches, six points clear of both Sweden and Hungary.
Busy Vranjić
Croatia goalkeeper Tomislav Vranjić may have been expecting an easy night, but was called into action as early as the fourth minute as the outstanding Cleaven Frendo went close to leveling the scores. Frendo tested Vranjić again on 20 minutes after diligent work in midfield from Shaun Bajada.
Muscat effort
Still the visitors threatened. Bušić, Hrvoje Cale and Edoardo Da Silva combined brilliantly but the latter saw Maltese goalkeeper Reuben Gauci tip his effort behind for a corner. The second half allowed fewer chances for both sides as they toiled for midfield supremacy. Defender Alex Muscat had the best chance to level, but saw his powerful drive glance the left hand post.