Stanković: "Croatia proved to be a real contender"

Croatia national futsal team head coach Mato Stanković was happy to see his team on level terms with one of the favourites in Belgrade, Russia.

"The approach was good, especially since we were very sad after Kazakhstan encounter, where we failed to show what we can. We wanted to surprise Russia, but they are a class team, and it was difficult. For a while it seemed we could get the necessary two-goal margin, but we lacked stamina in the end", said Stanković.

"However, I am glad that Croatia proved that 2012 and 2014 results were not a coincidence and that we are a real contender. Now we can hold our heads high, and we can only regret the key match in this group, the loss against Kazakhstan. We were really close to quarterfinals stage", he added.

Croatia captain and goalkeeper Ivo Jukić used the tale of two teams: "There were two Croatian teams at this tournament. One that wasn't at the required level against Kazakhstan and the one that performed as it should against a top opponent like Russia. We nearly created sensation and can look ourselves in the mirror, still considering that we failed to reach the quarterfinals".

"I have a feeling that we play well against the best teams, but Kazakhstan was the key, and we failed to provide then. There is regret since we know we can do better. Kazakhstan did not let us play, we did not convert our chances and we were naive when conceding", added Franco Jelovčić.

Dario Marinović confirmed mixed feelings in Croatia locker room after UEFA Futsal EURO group stage exit.

"We can be proud of a draw against a top team like Russia, but on the other hand we can only be really sad regarding the first match. I believe we were better than Russia, but we have to deserve victories. First we have to win against easier opponents, only then we can win big matches", he said.

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