Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic insisted his team will be ready for their World Cup semi-final showdown with England despite a gruelling encounter against Russia.
Dalic's Croatia advanced to the final four for the first time since 1998 after winning a penalty shootout 4-3 against hosts Russia in Sochi on Saturday.
Neither team could be separated after extra time, which ended 2-2 following an absorbing and exhausting battle at Fisht Stadium.
But two unsuccessful Russia penalties and Ivan Rakitic's match-winning effort silenced the home crowd and led Dalic to tears afterwards.
"Congrats to my lads but also to Russia who fought well," Dalic – whose Croatia also survived penalties in the last 16 – said during his post-game news conference.