Against the Czechs in Saint Etienne
Croatia's second step: Repeat performance, believe in victory
17.06.2016.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Following the opening win at UEFA EURO 2016, Croatia national team awaits its second challenge, the Czech Republic encounter in Saint Etienne.
With a full squad at his disposal, Croatia head coach Ante Čačić is ready to achieve another with the national team. The Vatreni are once again aiming to take spoil, aware that a win over Czech Republic, combined with the Turkey win on Sunday (1:0), will take them through to the second round.
Captain Darijo Srna is back with the team after his father's funeral, and Vedran Ćorluka and Ivan Perišić were treated and are able to take their places in the starting lineup.
"No match is like any other, and all teams in Group D have the right to believe they can reach the second round. Czech Republic will probably play a more open game than against Spain, but we want to repeat our approach and give our best during the 90 minutes. We try to win each and every match, and this one will be no different. We want to impose our ideas and keep the match under control, even though the opponent deserves respect. The Czechs are tough, playing a strong collective game, with Rosicky as the key when then transform into attacking formations. We have to play close attention to him", said Čačić.
Croatia captain Srna has similar views on the upcoming UEFA EURO 2016 match.
"This is our second step, a very important one. Czech Republic is a quality, disciplined defensive team, and it will be difficult, but I believe in Croatia. We're good, we have worked hard to be here, and have to exploit opponent's weaknesses. They have their own Modrić in Rosicky, they are quick on wings and dangerous in set-ups, but if we repeat our Turkey performance, we can hope for a positive outcome. We'll play our hearts out".
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