An Ivica Olic header has given Croatia a 1-0 lead over Bulgaria in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Sofia this evening.

Ivelin Popov had the opening chance of the match for the home side as he tried to head the ball in from a Petar Zanev cross, but his finish was just high.

© Getty Images

Chances remained scarce in the opening 20 minutes, with Danijel Subasic not being called into action until the 21st minute, when he claimed another Zanev cross.

Croatia started to see more of the ball as the half progressed, with Ivan Rakitic curling a corner in for Domagoj Vida, but his header failed to find the target.

Rakitic was involved again a few minutes later as the visitors continued to press, crossing the ball in from a free kick for Olic to nod past Vladislav Stoyanov shortly before the break.

Written by
Sian Cowper