ZAGREB, Croatia - Croatia remained on top of European Championship qualifying Group H with a convincing 5-1 win against Norway on Saturday.

In another group match, Azerbaijan beat Malta 2-0. Italy had a chance to join Croatia on top of the group when it played Bulgaria late Saturday.

The dominant Croats took the lead in the 30th minute on a low curving shot by Marcelo Brozovic from 20 metres (yards) into the bottom right corner.

Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 after a neat one-two with Ivan Rakitic and another low shot from inside the box soon after halftime. It was Perisic's fourth goal in four qualifiers for Euro 2016.

Ivica Olic, playing his 101st match for Croatia, netted around the hour mark from close range for 3-0.

Croatia controlled much of the match with precise passes, with Norway counting mostly on counterattacks, but creating few opportunities. From one of those chances, Norway's Alexander Tettey cut Croatia's lead in the 81st with a long-range effort.

But the Croats kept on pressing, with defenders Gordon Schildenfeld and Danijel Pranjiic adding two late goals. Croatia played the last 20 minutes without red-carded Vedran Corluka.

Tarik Elyounoussi failed to score for Norway from a penalty in the 69th, hitting the post.