Head coach Niko Kovač held a press conference ahead of the next two European qualifiers, against Bulgaria on 10 October and against Azerbaijan three days later. Due to injury, Croatia will miss Šime Vrsaljko.

"Bulgaria is on the right path creating a quality team. Ludogorets is playing in the Champions League, and some of the players are playing in Russia. We await a difficult opponent, in a heated atmosphere. They are good in both defence and attack, and especially strong on the right side. They are a big challenge, but we have analyzed them well and we are aware that this is one of the key matches in the qualifying. With the right approach, our chances are very good", commented Kovač on the Sofia encounter.

Croatian internationals are very successful weekend after weekend, playing for their clubs. How to transfer their form into the national team success?

"One thing is playing club football, and another national team football. Our players are full of confidence and that will help to preserve the excellent atmosphere in the dressing room and on the pitch. We were not good enough against Malta in the first half, but we created chances in the second half. I feel optimistic", continued Kovač.

"Our goal is also to give a chance to younger players, so they can learn from playing with more experienced ones. All of them have deserved to be here and they brought in new enthusiasm. We will try to keep our style of play, but we must not forget our opponents", concluded Croatia head coach.