The Vatreni closed off 2016 with another victory, 3:0 away at Northern Ireland, courtesy of Mario Mandžukić, Duje Čop, and Andrej Kramarić goals.

"As we have expected, Croatia wanted to win and break the hosts' unbeaten record. We did so, since the players were determined. Croatia was in control even when Northern Ireland tried to change the rhythm, and I am happy with what we have learned in this very competitive friendly. Kramarić was impressive in the last couple of international matches, as he was today, and Bradarić's debut was excellent, he has played as an experienced international. It was obvious that Rog is missing match fitness, but his quality is not doubtful, and Leovac played well, he is rightfully a candidate for left-back. However, there is no need to analyze every player, this match has confirmed that the entire team is good", said Croatia head coach Ante Čačić afterwards.

Mandžukić joined Eduardo on 29 international goals, with Šuker the top Croatia goalscorer of all time on 45 goals.

"Mandžukić deserved praise, that was really a captain's performance. It is difficult to surpass Šuker, Šuker was a unique striker, but Mandžukić is also special in his own way. There is chance for Mandžukić to catch Šuker, 16 goals is not much, but it is also not an easy job", added Čačić.

The whole team deserves praise, Mandžukić pointed out:

"I am happy to see that Croatia has the quality for the future. We have agreed that this will be a friendly match only on paper, knowing that Northern Ireland will do everything to defeat us. We did great, and won convincingly. The whole team deserves praise, the individuals have justified head coach's belief in them. Moreover, Croatia can rely on anyone to score, not only on the strikers. Now we wait the Ukraine qualifier in March, happy to be back in front of our fans. We miss these matches, and I believe that with that support we can beat Ukraine".