Croatia internationals start EURO preparations in Zagreb

Croatia head coach Ante Čačić presented the 27-man preliminary squad list for the EURO 2016 on Monday, and Vatreni arrived to Zagreb on Friday. On Sunday, they travel to Sv. Martin na Muri to continue with the preparations.

#Vatreni are gathering in Zagreb for the preparations for the upcoming @UEFAEURO. #BeProud #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/AVWiae5KVG

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) May 20, 2016

Due to club commitments, Duje Ćaleta-Car will join the national team on 22 May, Vedran Ćorluka on 23 May, Ivan Rakitić, Mario Mandžukić, and Darijo Srna on 29 May, and Champions League finalists Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić on 2 June.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"The priority is to refresh the team, to balance the training sessions, and to build the team, both technically and tactically, in the way that is necessary to play in France", said Čačić.

Ante Čačić's men begin with training sessions on Friday at Maksimir Stadium, and an open session will be held on Sunday (18:00) at Sv. Martin na Muri.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"The relations inside the team are good, there are no problems. The matches at the EURO 2016 will be demanding, we have quality opponents, but we also have a chance. I want to go as far as possible", said Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinić.

 

U Zagrebu je, uz velik interes medija, počelo okupljanje Vatrenih za Euro u Francuskoj. /Vatreni are gathering in Zagreb for the preparations for the upcoming @uefaeuro. #Vatreni #Croatia #Hrvatska #RedWhiteBlue #CrvenBijeliPlavi #BudiPonosan #BeProud

A photo posted by Hrvatski nogometni savez (@hns_cff) on May 20, 2016 at 3:27am PDT

On 27 May, Croatia hosts Moldova in a friendly match in Koprivnica, and on 29 May the national team moves to Rovinj. The friendly match against San Marino is scheduled in Rijeka on 4 June.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"I am glad to be a part of the national team, among Croatia's best, and I hope we can all enjoy the training sessions. I am happy with my season in Spain and can't wait to start with the preparations. We are a quality team and if we can avoid injuries, there is no reason to fear anyone", says Duje Čop.

Croatia travels to the French base of Deauville on 7 June and then awaits the encounters agains Turkey in Paris (12 June), Czech Republic in Saint Etienne (17 June), and Spain in Bordeaux (21 June).

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"I want us to play our game. With full respect to the opponents, then we can reach the second round, and anything can happen. There are a lot of good teams at EURO 2016, but as always, someone will emerge as a surprise. We wish Croatia in that position, but we'll play go step by step", emphasized Čačić.

Čačić: "I would be unsatisfied if the Croatian team would not be at their best at @UEFAEURO." pic.twitter.com/hk8UoKm1NU

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) May 20, 2016

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