Wales debutant Nathan Broadhead earned a 1-1 draw for Robert Page’s side as they scored in injury time with their only shot on target in Split.
Andrzej Kramarek’s lovely strike on 28 minutes gave the hosts a half-time lead.
Wales improved after the break and could have leveled on the hour, but Dan James’ volley missed the target.
Ivan Perisic hit the bar as Croatia called for a second, but Broadhead equalized from close range in added time.
The goal, after a long throw caused chaos in the Croatian penalty area, came completely against the run of play, but it would not matter as Wales secured an unexpected point.
Croatia had 34 wins in their history and drew one home European qualifier.
But Wales upset the odds in the third minute of added time through Broadhead, who plays for Ipswich Town in League One.
Croatia fail to shrug off slow starter tag
Good in tournaments, slow starters in qualification, or so the cliché goes, but there were no signs of a World Cup hangover from the hosts until their late arrival.
It took less than three minutes for Croatia to assert both their threat and quality as they pressed Wales for turnovers and allowed Luka Modric enough space to shoot from distance, but Danny Ward They managed to save this series.
Roared on by a rousing and enthusiastic crowd, Croatia dominated the opening exchanges and Kramarek forced Ward into another penalty on 15 minutes with a lovely volley.
The home opening goal began to feel inevitable and even when Perisic had his effort ruled out for a foul on 27 minutes, Croatia’s dominance was clear.
However, Wales will be disappointed in the manner in which they fell behind, with Joe Roden and Nico Williams being beaten by Kramarek who fired into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards.
Wales’ problems could have been compounded if Kramaric had opted to pass to Perisic instead of shooting as he sent a futile effort wide of the target.
Poor finishing was all that kept Wales out of contention and they got a slice of fortune when Mateo Kovacic gave him a clear sight of goal from outside the six-yard box after a pass from Krameric.
Chances were few and far between for the hosts in the second half, but they dominated possession and always looked in control.
Croatia should have scored more, with Perisic’s shot from a tight angle deflecting off the crossbar in what proved to be a pivotal moment.
Page’s new era begins with debut goal
It was the most changed Wales side we’ve seen at a World Cup, with retirements and injuries forcing Page to make personnel and formation changes.
The plan was for Qatar to display a more athletic side than to disappoint, but while they defended resolutely, Wales’ possession was poor.
Far from catching Croatia cold, it was Wales who started what is becoming a traditionally slow fashion, with Page’s side now conceding the first goal in each of their last nine competitive games. Is.
It took until the 42nd minute for them to get a sight of goal, with Harry Wilson’s free-kick their only shot on or off target before the break.
The challenge for Page was emphasized by his bench, with six of his 12 substitutes never having played an international match.
However, Wales should have leveled on 60 minutes when James failed to hit the target after Wilson’s clever pass gave him a clear sight of goal.
With the pace with them, it was a surprise that Page opted to rest captain Aaron Ramsey and forward Wilson and James’ legs on 64 minutes, with the Wales boss opting for a triple change that included a call for Broadhead. was
And his substitute stole the headlines when he dived deep at the back post to tap home after Chris Mepham’s header fell to him after the Croatian failed to deal with Conor Roberts’ long throw.
