Croatia announces U-17 World Cup squad

Croatia will open its FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign on 17 October against the host nation Chile, and head coach Dario Bašić announced the squad list.

Adrian Šemper (Dinamo), Ivan Nevistić (Rijeka), Matej Hudećek (Dinamo), Branimir Kalaica (Dinamo), Vinko Soldo (Dinamo), Martin Erlić (Sassuolo), Marko Đira (Dinamo), Nikola Moro (Dinamo), Luka Pasariček (Dinamo), Luka Ivanušec (Lokomotiva), Neven Đurasek (Dinamo), Marin Šverko (Karlsruhe), Borna Sosa (Dinamo), Davor Lovren (Dinamo), Matko Babić (Lokomotiva), Josip Brekalo (Dinamo), Dino Halilović (Udinese), Marin Karamarko (OSK Otok), Karlo Igor Majić (Dinamo), Bruno Šutalo (Hajduk) and Ivan Delić (Hajduk) will represent Croatia.

Croatia departs from Zagreb on Friday, and will play Mexico on 12 October in the final friendly match before facing Chile, USA and Nigeria.

"A lot was invested in this generation, while the World Cup is a difficult tournament which requires quality squad and a cool head. Our expectations are great, yet there are many nation who invest heavily in football. However, I am optimistic because this is a good generation, they are all good guys with strong characters. I especially like their team spirit, and we have many individuals who can reach the senior squad", said Croatia Football Federation technical director Romeo Jozak.

Coach Bašić summarized the preparation phase and said a couple of words on Croatia's opponents.

"Everything that was planned was done, and each and every players deserves praise. We had three minor injuries, and found solutions for missing regular Borovec. We have improved in defence and in attacking organization, while our strikers are scoring more and more. We have lost to USA twice last year, with Chile being a dynamic, fanatical, even a little wild team. To open the tournament against the hosts is a holiday, we have to enjoy that reward".

Talented Josip Brekalo will be among Croatia's stars in Chile.

"We have seen what to expect in a friendly tournament in South Korea, and learned that Nigeria is a physically powerful team. However, we were smarter and outplayed them, and I believe we can beat USA and Chile as well. The atmosphere in our team has always been very good, we play together for a long time and always give our best for Croatia", he said.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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