Kalinić double keeps Croatia in touch

Two goals by HNK Hajduk Split forward Nikola Kalinić kept Croatia in the running for a place at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

Frantic start
Croatia had to come from behind to earn the three points after the home team took a fourth-minute lead when Arnbjørn Hansen headed in. Ten minutes later Kalinić, assisted by Ivo Iličević, chipped in the equaliser and eight minutes after that the turnaround was complete. Tomislav Bušić’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Nielsen but Kalinić reacted quickest to score his second.

Crucial game
Croatia coach Dražen Ladić said: "We played in very difficult weather conditions, so this victory is more valuable. Now we are preparing for the match against Greece as that will be the crucial one." That match is on 17 November with second-place Croatia going into it two points ahead of Greece having played a game more. Italy are a point clear at the summit of Group 1 and have also played a game less than Croatia.