Modrić, Kovačić and Perišić expect a tough challenge

Ivan Perišić arrived after completing his transfer from Wolfsburg to Inter, but will immediately focus on the national team tasks.

"I believe that Azerbaijan encounter will be a good one. We need to score as soon as possible to make it easier. This will be much tougher challenger than the one in Osijek. I hope Croatia wins in both matches, even though Norway is very good at home. We have to get our heads straight and try to seal EURO 2016 berth before October", says Perišić.

At Inter, Perišić will play alongside his compatriot Marcelo Brozović, but not Mateo Kovačić, who moved from Inter to Real Madrid just a couple of days earlier.

"We expect maximum points, as always. Undoubtedly, we are prepared and will be going for both wins. We have to take on Azerbaijan first and later think about Norway. We'll be glad to see Robert Prosinečki as Azerbaijan coach and we wish him all the best, but not against Croatia", explained Kovačić.

Kovačić joined Luka Modrić at Santiago Bernabeu, and Modrić is aware that Croatia will probably not repeat convincing victories in Osijek and Zagreb.

"These matches will surely be more difficult. However, if we show what we have already shown during this qualifying round, we can achieve our goals. I can not say that we will be pleased with four points, six would be better. Prosinečki knows Croatia very well, but that will not tip the match to Azerbaijani side. Azerbaijan plays better than before, yet that will probably not be the key factor", concluded Modrić.

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