Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes the last-16 tie against Denmark will be his side’s “moment of truth” after they topped Group D with a 100 per cent record following a 2-1 win over Iceland.
It is the first time croatia have won three successive World Cup matches and Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson believes their victors have every chance of winning the tournament but Dalic was more circumspect.
“No-one expected nine points but that is what we have ended up with,” the croatia coach said in a post-match press conference.
“We have to put those three matches behind us. We have to focus on Denmark, it is our moment of truth on Sunday.
“From this moment on the group stage is over, we have done a job so far. I don’t think we will end in the last 16.
“What awaits us is the most important thing for us.”
Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic scored a 90th-minute winner after Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty had cancelled out Milan Badelj’s opener early in the second half.
Croatia had already qualified for the knockout stage and Dalic made nine changes as a result but was pleased with the outcome.
Watch all the goals in animation form below:
