Čačić and Modrić agree - Croatia goes for the win

Croatia head coach Ante Čačić has decided on the starting lineup for the Ukraine encounter in World Cup qualifying, and the national team has only one objective - to win.

"Croatia always goes for the win. We are extremely happy to have our supporters back. Our players have deserved to have such backing following the tough EURO 2016 qualifying campaign and great performances in France, and the successful start of 2018 World Cup qualifying. We'll do everything to achieve a positive result", he says.

"With Shevchenko at the helm, Ukraine has improved, gained eight points from four matches, and we have been introduced to all their virtues. Through effort and discipline, Croatia must present its quality. On the other hand, Shevchenko has probably done everything possible to try to limit Croatia, but hopefully he will not succeed", added Čačić.

Croatia captain Luka agrees, convinced that the national team can achieve its goal with the help of home supporters.

"We can hardly wait for kick-off, with our fans as the extra man, especially in tough moments when things don't go according to plan. As the home team, we're considered the favourites, even though we have maximum respect for Ukraine. They play better football than at the EURO 2016, and as the second-placed team they are our main rivals for the top spot. I hope to contribute with a quality performance, but collective play is the most important aspect. Ukraine has been analyzed, especially star players Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko, but we hope to dominate possession", said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"Andriy Shevchenko was one of the finest strikers of his time, I liked him as a player, and now he is doing a good job in coaching. I wish him all the best in his career, except when he's leading his team against us. Furthermore, I hope to finally win against Ukraine, following the two draws in 2009. Those were difficult matches, but Croatia played well on both occasions, and only lacked some concentration in finishing", concluded Modrić.

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