With a goalless draw in Greece, Zlatko Dalić and his players secured the 2018 FIFA World Cup berth. Croatia capitalized on the fantastic 4:1 win in the first leg in Zagreb. 

"The performance is now irrelevant", said Croatia head coach with a smile following the final whistle in Piraeus. "I am not entirely happy with how we have played, but we have reached the World Cup and that is what matters. The objective was achieved".

"I am overjoyed and extremely pleased. I feel ten tons lighter, there was great responsibility on my back. It has been a tough month, I lack the strength to even talk about this return leg. I know Croatia is celebrating right now, and that was our mission, to bring some joy to the country. Credit to the players, I am proud and honoured to experience this with them. Considering my position, I am always ready to lead Croatia, and everything can be agreed in a matter of minutes", he added.