Following the September draw (1:1) with Turkey in Zagreb, Ante Čačić's men continue their qualifying campaign at Kosovo and Finland in October. In Shkoder, Kosovo will play its first official home match, and Croatia will thus remain in the history books as the debut opponents.

"We need to justify our role of favourites against a very motivated hosts. In Finland, they've presented great teamwork despite lack of preparations, and they have a couple of interesting attacking players. However, our aim is clear, to reach the World Cup, and therefore we need a win. Of course, there is always the possibility of surprise in football, but I believe Croatia will have more possession and more shots on goal. Experience is on our side as well. We have great respect towards Kosovo and we'll need 90 minutes of hard work to make our quality makes the difference", said Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

Croatia will be without the injured captain Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Dejan Lovren, and Marko Pjaca, with Vedran Ćorluka taking the armband.

"I'll support my teammates. The injured players have called us and support us, they be our fans in both upcoming matches. Regardless of injury problems, I expect an ambitious Croatia. We have to win, and we'll try to do that from the first minute. Croatia can replace any player and this is an opportunity for those who maybe play a little less, to prove their quality, that they are the future of our football. We have prepared well, and we are happy to play in front of a home crowd", said Ćorluka.

All teams in qualifying Group I start the second round of matches with a single point, having drawn 1:1 in September. Kosovo secured the point away at Finland.