Čačić: "To justify Croatia's role of favourites"

Following the EURO 2016 in France, the Vatreni start a new qualifying campaign to reach the upcoming World Cup in Russia. The first match of the Group I is Turkey's visit to Zagreb (5 September, 20:45), to play Croatia behind closed doors, only three months after the Paris encounter. Simultaneously, Ukraine will play Iceland, and Finland hosts debutants Kosovo.

"I hope that everything has remained the way it was in France, and that we will all show the same strength to reach the World Cup in Russia. We are in the toughest qualifying group, with four EURO 2016 participants. Considering our performance, we are in the role of favourites and we have to justify that. Regardless of the Maksimir closed doors, we feel the synergy with fans, and have the same squad at our disposal, except retired captain Srna and Schildenfeld, who are replaced by Pivarić and Lovren. Lovren is aware why he had missed the EURO 2016 and there is no reason to leave him out anymore. He has the quality to represent Croatia", said Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

"Turkey also wants to reach the World Cup, and I do not want to discuss Fatih Terim's squad selection, but I am convinced that they will do everything in their power for a good start. The absence of their stars does not mean they are not a strong team", he added.

On Wednesday, Croatia national football team will face Segesta, to celebrate the Sisak-based club's jubilee.

"It is a pleasure and an honour to celebrate the anniversary of the oldest club in Croatia, to see people of Sisak enjoying themselves, and despite the festivities, we will use that match to prepare for Turkey encounter", concluded Čačić.

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