Bulgaria's Chances of Qualifying for EURO 2016 Diminish After Losing 0:1 to Norway

Bulgaria`s goalkeeper Bozhidar Mitrev (2-L) receives Norway`s 1-0 lead during the UEFA EURO 2016 group H qualifying soccer match between Bulgaria and Norway in Sofia, Bulgaria, 03 September 2015. EPA/VASSIL DONEV

The Bulgarian men's national football team suffered 0:1 defeat to visiting side Norway in a decisive UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier on Thursday.

Thus, Bulgaria's chances of qualifying for EURO 2016 diminished as Bulgaria is lagging five points behind its direct opponent for the third place in qualification Group H – Norway.

The only goal in the match, which was played at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia, was scored by Norwegian defender Vegard Forren in the 57^th minute.

Bulgaria suffered a second consecutive defeat to Norway after having lost 1:2 in Oslo in October 2014.

Bulgaria retained its fourth position in qualification Group H with eight points, while Norway consolidated its third position with 13 points.

In the other matches from Group H, Azerbaijan and Croatia finished to a goalless draw in Baku, while Italy achieved a minimum 1:0 victory over Malta in Florence.

Croatia and Italy retained their leadership positions with 15 points each, Azerbaijan is fifth with five points, while Malta remained at the bottom with one point.

The top two teams in the final standing will qualify directly for the final stage of tournament, which will be held in France next year, while the third team will go through a play-off.

In its next qualifier, Bulgaria will face Italy in Palermo on Sunday.

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