Ryan Giggs admits Wales must win their remaining two matches in Group E to stand any chance of qualifying for Euro 2020 automatically.
Gareth Bale's 33rd international goal earned the Red Dragons a who took an early lead through Nikola Vlasic at Cardiff City Stadium.
It means Wales remain in fourth spot in their qualifying group, although they can still secure a top two spot with victories over Azerbaijan and Hungary next month, as long as Slovakia drop points in their remaining two outings.
And Giggs believes the point against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia could yet be hugely important.
"We need to win the two games but that point could be vital," said the Wales manager.
"It could come down to head-to-heads with Slovakia. We’re relying on Croatia to beat Slovakia but we need to win our two games. That’s all we're concentrating on. It won't be easy but we're capable of it."
Zlatko Dalic's men dominated possession for long periods in the opening half and went ahead after Vlasic's strike went in off the post.
But Bale slotted beyond Dominik Livakovic in the third minute of first half injury time after impressive work from Ben Davies - who won his 50th cap against the Croatians - to ensure the spoils were shared.
There were real concerns for the welfare of Daniel James during the first half though after the Manchester United winger was clattered by Domagoj Vida, with the Besiktas defender earning a yellow card for his troubles.
James received lengthy treatment from medics on the pitch but was able to continue to help Wales earn a draw with Dalic's troops.
But Giggs has said James was fine to plod on at Cardiff City Stadium, with the boss revealing the 21-year-old passed the concussion protocols at half time.
"I’ve not seen it. He stayed down. I say about players being smart, he stayed down but he was fine," admitted Giggs.
"The physio came over but there was no problem and there was no problem.
"He passed the concussion tests at half-time."
And when asked if James was concussed as a result of the sickening collision, Giggs responded: "No, he stayed down and was a bit streetwise.
"He told the doctors 'I'm not moving, I'm just sitting still'. Not to get anyone sent off but he was just using his nous.
"Like I said, at half time he did all of the concussion tests and he was fine."
On Ethan Ampadu - who was withdrawn in the second half - Giggs commented: "He took a knock but he was fine. He didn't feel 100% hence why we brought him off, but he's fine now."
Wales take on Azerbaijan in Baku on November 16 before completing their qualifying campaign against Hungary in Cardiff three days later.
