With Ivan Perišić scoring the only goal of the game, Croatia defeated Malta and made it to EURO 2016 in France, since Italy beat Norway at home.

"Prior to the match, I've said that it will be difficult to win at Malta. We were exhausted after the Bulgaria encounter, but deserved to win and reach the final tournament, where we belong", said Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

Croatia was ready to celebrate after the final whistle.

"The boys started singing from their hearts. All the credit goes to the players, the HNS and the people who work in football, former head coach and his staff, as well as the loyal supporters. We deserve to go to France", he emphasized.

"The players were a little down upon hearing that Norway took the lead in Italy, but I've repeated that we have to stay focused and that Italy will score twice. That's exactly what happened. Now Croatia has to pull together, the national team is above any individual and we have to show unity", concluded Čačić.