Norway beat Bulgaria 1-0 in Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Sofia to improve their chances of a top-two finish in Group H.

Veteran defender Vegard Forren scored his first international goal in the 57th minute to hand his country a vital win.

The victory keeps Norway in third place, two points adrift of second-placed Italy and group leaders Croatia with three games remaining.

Per-Mathias H0gmo's team, who had also beaten Bulgaria 2-1 in last year's qualifier, almost went behind in the 21st minute.

However, Ivelin Popov saw his long-range strike saved by Norway goalkeeper Oerjan Nyland.

Before half-time, Jo Inge Berget's powerful header went wide.

Norway went in front before the hour mark when Stefan Johansen's free-kick found Forren on the six-yard box and he struck the ball past Bulgaria goalkeeper Bozhidar Mitrev.

The Scandinavians held on for three points.