Croatia coach Ante Cacic has said that he is aware of the danger Iceland pose, but confident his side will win their top-of-the-table battle in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying. The Croatians are above the Icelanders on goal difference in Group I, with Ukraine two points back in third.

“Our aim is to finish the year successfully, and I’m confident we will do everything to make that happen,” said Cacic. “There are no easy opponents in our group, and Iceland have proven in recent years that they are a good, organised team. However, I believe we have the answer to their game.

“We want to finish first in the group and go to the World Cup. Therefore we have no choice but to play well and win.”

Andrej Kramaric believes Saturday’s showdown in Zagreb could have a big say on who claims the pool’s automatic ticket to Russia.

“Iceland are one of our toughest opponents in the group,” said the Hoffenheim forward. “Perhaps not as much on paper, but certainly in our minds. It won’t be easy, comparing our style of football with theirs, but it will be an interesting game that could determine the future outcome .

“We must therefore be at our best. They are a disciplined team. We have to be ready for them.”

Croatia have qualified for four of the five World Cups they have attempted to, with captain Zvonimir Boban and adidas Golden Boot winner Davor Suker inspiring them to bronze at France 1998.