Srna penalty secures Croatia 1-0 win over Sweden

Winger Darijo Srna converted a second-half penalty to give Croatia a 1-0 victory over Sweden yesterday, leapfrogging their rivals into top spot in Group Eight going into the final round of World Cup qualifiers.

Sweden skipper Olof Mellberg handled in the area in 56th minute and Srna kept his cool from the spot to decide a tightly contested match.

Werder Bremen striker Ivan Klasnic squandered Croatia's best chance in an uneventful first half, getting behind the Sweden defence but failing to lob keeper Andreas Isaksson from close range.

Croatia, held by Malta 1-1 in their previous match, top the group with 23 points and will secure a place in next year's finals if they take a point from their final game in Hungary.

Bulgaria ease to 2-0 win

Bulgaria eased to a 2-0 victory at home to Hungary yesterday.

Zdravko Lazarov crossed from the left for Dimitar Berbatov to fire the home side ahead after 30 minutes.

Lazarov doubled the lead 10 minutes after the break.

Hungary striker Sandor Torghelle, who twice hit the post, was sent off in stoppage time.

Bulgaria travel to Malta for their last match on Wednesday.