Igor Stimac's side has moved to the top of Group A of the World Cup qualification thanks to a comfortable two-goal victory over Wales at the Stadion Gradski vrt in Osijek on Tuesday evening.
Croatia was the superior throughout the game, with only the talents of Gareth Bale ever proving a real threat to the home side defence.
Wales did well to keep Croatia at bay until the 27th minute, when goalkeeper Lewis Price underhit a a poor back-pass from Ashley Williams, presenting Bayern Munich's frontman Mario Mandzukic with an opportunity too good to miss.
Price redeemed himself, at least partially, moments later when he denied former Arsenal forward Eduardo da Silva at point-blank range.
The lead was doubled soon after the interval. Eduardo was rewarded for a fine display with a goal in the 58th minute when he stabbed home a rebound after Price had done well to parry Ivan Perisic's header from a corner.
Another scramble ensued in the Wales box that somehow did not result in a third Croatia goal before Price saved a Mandzukic header and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric drove wide. Bale beat several men towards the end and drilled in a low effort that Stipe Pletikosa could not hold, but substitute Sam Vokes blasted the rebound off-target.
Croatia had opportunities to extend their lead but were at times wasteful in front of goal. But with 10 points from four matches in Group A, Igor Stimac's side is confident of finishing in one of the top two spots.
'We completely realised the goals we set ourselves, with 10 points from four games,' Stimac told Croatian television.
Croatia next host Serbia in March.
Match statistics:
Croatia:
Shots 29
On target 20
Possession 76%
Corners 10
Fouls 9
Wales:
Shots 6
On target 3
Possession 24%
Corners 2
Fouls 8
