Čačić: "CL final will further motivate Croatia at Iceland"

Croatia travels to Iceland on Saturday, and plays in Reykjavik on Sunday (20:45 CET), while the first training sessions are scheduled in Sv. Martin na Muri.

"We will practice to make sure we have done everything to succeed at Iceland. A good pitch awaits us in Sv. Martin na Muri, alongside good atmosphere. We expect many fans once again at our open training sessions", says Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

Croatia vice-captain Ivan Rakitić will not join the team due to groin injury. Captain Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, double Champions League winners with Real Madrid, join on Tuesday, while Mario Mandžukić - the lone goalscorer for Juventus - comes on Monday.

"We have to be proud of everything our players have done in Champions League this season - as well as during previous seasons. Besides, many have won their respective national leagues. Modrić was extraordinary in Cardiff, and Mandžukić scored a fantastic goal, one to be remembered. We have to be happy, and this will motivate them further to finish the season with a Croatia win".

Croatia is even more confident due to friendly victory over Mexico in Los Angeles.

"This match served its purpose, to give an opportunity to players who only seldom reach the national team squad, alongside Čop, Kalinić, and Jedvaj. Jedvaj adapted to his right-back duties, the role that awaits him against Iceland", concluded Čačić.

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