Croatia had an easy win over San Marino in the tiny principality.
Veteran midfielder Robert Prosinecki was given the time and space to run midfield and scored twice to set up a deciding game at home against Belgium where the winner will go the finals next year.
Croatia trail leaders group Belgium by two points with the Belgians now guaranteed at least a play-off place.
A Niko Kovac goal broke the deadlock in a scrappy game in the 38th minute and then Prosinecki hit a 49th minute penalty and an injury time curler from the free kick to bookend a close range finish from Zvonimir Soldo.
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