Čačić: "Always important to win"

Croatia national football team defeated the Israelis 2:0 in the international friendly in Osijek, with Inter duo Ivan Perišić and Marcelo Brozović scoring in the first half.

"A big thank you to all the fans, who came in large numbers in bad weather, as well as to the organizers and our hosts. They have helped us to achieve this victory, to play at a high level. It is always important to win, while this match provided us plenty of information. I wanted to give my players as many minutes as possible, to find out which details we have to improve for the EURO 2016", summarized Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

"We have tested three different systems and I would like to thank my players for their efforts and the good things they have done. Israel had their chances too, but I have to be satisfied. There will be enough time for in-depth analysis, since some situations have to look better. The players did what they were supposed to do, considering it is difficult to keep the continuity with all the substitutions and requirements. Sometimes we allowed Israel too much of the ball control", he added.

Croatia captain Darijo Srna had to be substituted just before the break due to injury.

"I hope it is nothing serious, it was a strong tackle. I believe he will be alright", said Čačić.

On Saturday, Croatia visits Budapest to play Hungary, and Ante Čačić became the first Croatia head coach with four victories in the first four matches.

"The match against Hungary will be a different match, with different requirements, in order to reach a better insight at what we need in France. I have not crossed out any system, and Hungary will be a more serious test. Yet we will once again seek victory and I expect a competitive match", concluded Čačić.

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