Rapaic double lifts Croatia

Milan Rapaic scored twice as Croatia recorded a 2-0 victory over Andorra to move into second place in Group 8 of the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers.

Maric fouled
Croatia were buoyed at the weekend following a 4-0 win at home to Belgium and the hosts put Andorra under pressure from the kick-off in Varazdin. It took Rapaic just 12 minutes to open the scoring when he converted from the penalty spot after defender Roberto Jonas Alonso pushed striker Tomislav Maric in the area.

Rapaic second
The HNK Hajduk Split striker then doubled the scoreline two minutes before half-time with a deflected free-kick. Croatia cruised through the second half, with their best chance falling to Dario Šimic whose close-range header was well saved.

More goals wanted
Croatia coach Otto Baric was satisfied with the victory but admitted that is side should have won by more than just two goals. He said: "We deserved to win, but we should have scored at least two more against a team of Andorra's quality. I'm happy with three points but I'm also aware that there is still room for improvement."

On the up
The result left Croatia, who began the group with a draw and a defeat, a point above Belgium ahead of their next qualifier in Estonia on 11 June. Belgium have six points in third place while Andorra have now lost all three of their games.