Croatia earned a 3-1 victory against a willing Malta side to keep the pressure on Greece at the top of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group F. Malta remains without a point in the section, while Croatia will look to strengthen their position further when they take on third-ranked Israel at home on Tuesday.
Ognjen Vukojevic struck in the 11th minute and it was 2-0 just after the half-hour mark as Milan Badelj drilled a fine effort past Andrew Hogg in the Malta goal. However, Malta captain Mifsud once more showed his predatory instincts, firing past Stipe Pletikosa from inside the box seven minutes before the break to keep the home side in the hunt.
A comeback, however, was not on, and with Malta's defence at sixes and sevens, Dejan Lovren took full advantage, making it 3-1 on 68 minutes.
Croatia remain within a point of section leaders Greece, while Malta hope their luck will finally change as they take on Georgia in their next fixture.
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