Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, says he is confident his squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup will do the country proud.
Dalic cut his provisional World Cup squad list down to 24 on Monday, meaning he still has to reduce it by one more player before the June 4 deadline.
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic of Juventus, Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren of Liverpool are among the key names in a squad that plays friendlies against Brazil and Senegal before the tournament.
According to espn.co.uk, Dalic stated what influenced his decision on his 24-man selection is confidence on the tested players and reliable fresh legs.
“I can’t make everyone happy, but the World Cup is not the time or the place for sweeping changes,” Dalic told espn.co.uk.
“I have decided to rely on tried and tested stalwarts and a bit of fresh blood.
“I have plenty of faith in this group and we believe we can make our dreams come true.”
Dalic is confident that Mandzukic will lead the attack well when hostilities start in Russia.
He added: “We need two quality players in each position and I see our versatile striker Mandzukic leading the line because that’s his natural position.”
Croatia are in Group D with Nigeria, Argentina and debutant Iceland and will open their campaign against the Super Eagles on June 16 in Kaliningrad.
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COMMENTS
Dalic or whatever you’re called, with this your noise making i don’t think you & your so called Tested Stalwarts And Fresh blood can go far in this tournament…
Forget about mouthy Dalic but he talked sense. He is relying on “tried and tested” players and this period is not the time to “make sweeping changes.” That also apply to our coach too. He has tried and tested players(Balogun, Troost Ekong, Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses, Onazi, Alex Iwobi, Ndidi Wilfred, Iheanacho Kelechi, Shehu Abdulahi, Ahmed Musa, Agu, Echiejele, Simon Victor, and Ogu etc etc). They have always always been there. We trust these soldiers contrary to what some few fellows would want us believe. Nigeria does not need to make any sweeping changes in this team. We have turn the earth upside down and these are the best there is for 2018 WC. The search for others will start after this WC. For now these are our best. Support them.
Against Croatia the game will be won in the Midfield according to most international pundits. With Mikel, Ndidi and Onazi or Joel Obi SuperEagles will be very difficult to penetrate for any team. We also have flamboyance on the wings with Moses and Iwobi both of whom can also operate from a central midfield position. The only concern is the defense and the goalkeeping department according to the pundits. Croatia also have their own weaknesses in the defense. They have a world-class midfield and very solid attack, but their defense is not all that. If the SuperEagles can avoid defeat against Croatia I’m we will beat Iceland and give Argentina a run for their money. We will make it out of that group by God’s grace. I just hope all our hopefuls stay fit.
Ayphilly!!!! From Kickoff to Africaplays to other places to here. Respect!!!!