In four previous matches, Iceland managed to avoid defeat only once: on 15 November 2013 in Reykjavik, in the first leg of the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs, it was a goalless draw, even though the hosts were playing with ten men from 50th minute due to Skulason red card.

This encounter was also Croatia's manager Niko Kovač premiere at the helm of the senior national team, and it is worth mentioning that legendary Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen appeared in both play-off legs.

Four days later in Zagreb, Croatia played the most of return leg without sent-off striker Mario Mandžukić, but still achieved a key 2:0 victory and secured another major tournament appearance.

Mandžukić scored before his red card, in 27th minute, and captain Darijo Srna found the net at the start of the second half. This excellent Croatia performance eliminated Iceland just a step away from their first, historic World Cup berth. The Icelanders therefore had to wait two more years to reach a major competition, EURO 2016 in France.

Croatia and Iceland played their first two matches in March and September 2005, in the qualifying campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Manager Zlatko Kranjčar's men hosted Iceland in Zagreb and won comfortably 4:0, with former captain Niko Kovač scoring twice.

The current Croatia coach Josip Šimunić and Dado Pršo both added one, and Iceland team list included Premiership player Hermann Hreidarsson.

The September clash in Reykjavik was more tense, considering that Iceland took the lead in 24th minute through Gudjohnsen and still led by half-time. However, Boško Balaban started the Croatian comeback with a brace in 56th and 61st minute, while Srna sealed the 3:1 win from the penalty spot ten minutes before time.

Croatia completed this qualifying campaign winning the top spot without defeat and secured World Cup berth, and Iceland finished above Malta, with four points.