No easy way, but Croatia seeks victory against Iceland

Croatia hosts Iceland in the fourth round of European qualifiers, and the Zagreb match will be played behind closed doors due to FIFA sanctions. Both teams are on seven points, and Croatia is without defender Dejan Lovren and striker Nikola Kalinić. Captain Luka Modrić recently recovered from a knee injury. 

"Modrić has recovered and is coming back into shape. We'll see how he will be used during the match, and Kovačić has ankle problems. Some players are having difficulties due to weather and training sessions conditions, but Croatia must do everything possible to achieve its goal and remain at the top of the group. Our midfield is especially full of quality, and we have the luxury to make a substitution, gain more energy, and keep the same level of quality", explained head coach Ante Čačić.

"Despite all problems, playing behind closed doors, Croatia always wants to win. Iceland is a quality team that upholds continuity in squad and coaching staff, and they were impressive at EURO 2016. They've started this qualifying campaign well, they stand firm, and are strong in set-pieces. They perservere and deserve respect, and if one player should be pointed out, it's Gylfi Sigurdsson, who plays differently.  However, all of this should only serve as a motivation to us. I believe Croatia has more individual quality, needs quick passes to avoid physical game, but there is no easy way to victory", he added.

Ivan Rakitić, Barcelona midfielder and Croatia vice-captain, has similar thoughts on this match.

"We have learned everything about Iceland and we need to exploit their weaknesses. They have achieved a great result at EURO 2016, presented distinctive style and qualities, yet Croatia has to keep up the good work from France as well. Unfortunately, we play behind closed doors and no one likes this. Not the players, not the opponent, and definitely not the fans, since Croatia is supported worldwide. Still, we have to win against the organized Icelandic team. It is difficult to beat this kind of unity, there are no gifts in today's football, but I believe we can remain in a positive rhthym and gain another three points. I believe we have made progress from 2013, just as Iceland did, and we can prove ourselves against a main rival in World Cup qualifying. Iceland has good capabilities, but we believe in ourselves", he said.

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