The selector of Croatia Zlatko Dalic, recognized that the runner-up obtained in the Russia World Cup 2018 supposes an extra demand for his team although he warns that the squad he has for the Eurocup “It is not the same” as the one that surprised three years ago.
Croatia will play in Brussels in view of Belgium the last preparation meeting for the continental tournament. The Balkan team is part of Group D with England, Scotland and the Czech Republic.
“We got a historical record in Russia but this is not the same team. There are some young players who have great talent. But we need time to play and get noticed. I hope we will also repeat the good role in the Eurocup“, it gave Zlatko Dalic.
“After the World Cup we see that our rivals look at us differently and we become a target for everyone,” said the coach of Croatia that will start the Eurocup against England which he eliminated in the semifinals of the Russia World Cup.
“But there is no desire for revenge. We know that the English will want a victory against us in Wembley because they will have the semifinal of the World Cup and their defeat in the head “, assumed the coach.
“We expect a England aggressive that will attack us and try to score as soon as possible so that the result goes in their favor from the beginning. Croatia does not reach the Eurocup as a troupe, we have our chance. But we must be humble and go little by little, step by step. The first objective is to pass the group stage, “recalled the coach.
Croatia will play against Belgium on Brussels. The coach praised the Belgian team and their coach, the Spanish Roberto Martinez. “We play against the best team in the world according to the ranking FIFA and we respect a lot Belgium. The game is very important because the result gives confidence, security and motivation. It will be difficult but it is a great challenge to play against the first team in the world. We must take care of ourselves. It is important that there are no injuries, “he confided Dalic.
“It is true that Belgium is missing some players. I regret that De Bruyne has been injured and I wish him a speedy recovery. It would be a shame if the Eurocup he will be left without a player like him. Roberto Martínez is one of the best coaches in the world, he showed it in the World Cup and afterwards. I have great respect for him. It surprises that Belgium is ahead of France, Argentina or Brazil in the FIFA rankings but they play very well and are one of the favorites to win the Eurocup“recalled the coach of Croatia.