Rukavina double downs Greece

Ante Rukavina scored two late goals as Croatia came from behind to defeat Greece 4-3 in Athens and move to within a point of Group 1 leaders Italy.

Early goal
The visitors took the lead after five minutes through Kreso Ljubicić but were pegged back in the 32nd when Antonios Petropoulos scored from close range. Croatia went in front again just before half-time when Tomislvav Busić capitalised on some poor defending, and were pegged back again just after the restart as Theodoros Tripotseris headed the ball in.

Late twist
Greece went in front for the first time in the 65th minute as Elini Dimoutsos impressively connected with a Christos Aravidis corner, although there was plenty of time for Rukavina to have his say. The HNK Hajduk Split forward first levelled with a right-footed shot (79) before wrapping up the points in the 83rd when evading the home defence and drilling in low with his left foot.

Albania next
Croatia have 15 points from seven games, meaning Italy are still well placed with 16 points from six. Greece, third in the section, return to action against Albania on Wednesday.