Croatia will be looking to put pressure on Malta from the first minute of tomorrow's Euro 2016 football qualifier at the Maksimir Stadium, coach Niko Kicac told reporters this evening.

"We are thinking about it," Kovac said when asked about his team and tactical selection.

"We are looking at some ideas. We must put pressure on Malta from the first minute."

While acknowledging that, on paper, Croatia should win this game with something to spare, Kovac insisted that he is treating Malta with respect.

"Malta are tricky opponents," Kovac said. "They have some good players. We respect our opponents. It is our task to be on top during this game from the beginning."

Kovac confirmed that Croatia chose to play a friendly against Cyprus last week because they are on the same level as Malta.

"We have been following Malta's games," Kovac said. "We have watched their friendly against Slovakia in which Malta defended well for long periods.

"Our game against Cyprus was useful. We played very well and I expect the team to do the same against Malta."

Croatia beat Cyprus 2-0 with a Mario Mandzukic brace.

Kovac was the captain of the Croatian team that was held to a 1-1 draw by Malta in that infamous 2006 World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium.

"I remember that match," Kovac said. "We drew with Malta and this shows that we have to take them seriously not to let that happen again. Malta can be difficult to beat."

Kovac is expected to include all his top players, the likes of Mandzukic, who is now playing for Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid's Luka Modric, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Dejan Lovren, Liverpool's new signing, in his starting line-up.