In the first leg of 2018 FIFA World Cup play-offs, Croatia defeated Greece 4:1 in front of the full crowd at Maksimir Stadium. Modrić, N. Kalinić, Perišić and Kramarić were on the scoresheet for the hosts, while Papastathopoulos found the net for the visitors.

"I would like to thank my players for a great performance and excellent behaviour on the pitch. We have avoided all incidents, received no yellow cards. I also thank our fans, both in the stadium and all around the world, for supporting the national team. However, this was just the first half of the tie. There will be no euphoria before the return leg, even though Croatia did a wonderful job. We'll start as though the outcome was 0:0", says Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić.

"We were aware that we cannot find a way through three Greek centre-backs. Therefore, we were focused on the flanks, with Kramarić and Perišić opening spaces for Vrsaljko and Strinić. That was done in an extraordinary fashion, created even more scoring opportunities, but we could have also conceded at least one more goal. I regret conceding following that corner kick, that was below the required level. Greece did not surprise us, they have tried through long balls on Mitroglou, but Brozović and Rakitić did well in blocking his passes back to Fortounis. We were compact in defense, winning almost every ball", he explained.

Croatia now has the prove quality once more, on Sunday in the return leg in Piraeus.

"We are aware of the quality of our players, and we had to present both quality and mental strength. Credit to the players, but now we have to realize nothing is over yet. Mario Mandžukić wanted to play, but that was too big a risk, as he would probably had to be substituted very soon. He'll be ready for the return leg", added Dalić.