Čačić: "Croatia has no right to seek an alibi"

On Monday, Croatia national football team meets in Zagreb, awaiting the European Qualifiers encounter with Ukraine on 24 March at Maksimir Stadium, followed by Estonia friendly in Tallinn four days later.

Croatia head coach Ante Čačić was speaking at the media conference: "Ukraine plays very well with Shevchenko at the helm, they are still undefeated. They have great wingers, stand firm in defence and quickly transform into attacking formations. However, Croatia has no right to seek an alibi, especially upon return in front of its fans".

Injured defenders Vedran Ćorluka and Šime Vrsaljko are to miss out, as well as suspended winger Ivan Perišić, who is expected to play full 90 minutes against Estonia.

"Vrsaljko's injury looks serious, I am not an optimist. There are a couple of options to replace Perišić, and we did not want him to be out of international action from November until June. I shall not call any replacements, we have enough quality players to replace all three of them. Plenty of players have already shown how good they are, especially against Spain at the EURO 2016", says Čačić, explaining that potential Darijo Srna's return to international duty is to be discussed later in spring.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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