Niko Kovac has stuck the boot into his Croatia team after a 2-0 defeat away to Norway left their Euro 2016 qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Jo Inge Berget opened the scoring on 51 minutes, before Vedran Corluka's own goal saw Kovac's men - who began the night joint first with Italy in Group H - drop back to third, one point outside the automatic qualifying places.

The 43-year-old hailed the "exceptional" Norwegians - who sit second - and claims that his troops simply did not want it enough last night.

"You should ask the players for the reason for these results," he told reporters. "My staff and I have done our part, but there are 11 players who must do theirs.

"The team must give 100%. Otherwise, you cannot win, against neither Azerbaijan nor Norway. Playing for the national team is not the same as playing for your club.

"Every player must ask themselves if they have played well today or not. Norway fully deserved to win. They were exceptional. We were the worst team on the pitch. They show more desire and heart to overcome every obstacle."

Croatia round off their qualification campaign with the visit of Bulgaria on October 10, before facing Malta away three days later.

Written by
Shane Callaghan