Kozniku: "Croatia is always rich in phenomenal players"

Born in Kosovo, Kozniku was very emotional last October, witnessing the Shkoder encounter of the same opponents.

"First Kosovo's competitive home match was an emotional moment. We have waited very long for this event. First and foremost, we were happy for being admitted to UEFA and FIFA, and then it was time to start participating in qualifying. The outcome was unimportant, knowing that Croatia has more quality. However, the match itself was very significant for the entire country and, of course, for me personally. Even though we feel at home in Albania, I regret not having played this match in Kosovo, but this was not possible due to renovation process of our stadiums".

Almost a year later, how are these two teams compared?

"Croatia remains the favourite. Kosovo is a young team, and is becoming more compact on a day-to-day basis. Croatia will seek victory, it has more experience and more quality, but Kosovo is improving and it could create problems for some other teams - like drawing at Finland. I am convinced that the support will be excellent at Maksimir Stadium, with a full crowd and no incidents. Let there be only fair-play cheers, excluding discrimination and hate speech".

Kozniku remembers the difficult path towards Kosovo's independence and Croatia's assistance in the football processes.

"During the '90s, there was no football, no sports whatsoever, these war years were another story. When Kosovo gained independence, there was a long wait for the recognition of football organizations, and it really meant a lot to start playing. Our fans were genuinely happy to embark on a qualifying adventure, and we have to express gratitude to Croatian Football Federation, including the previous and current president, Vlatko Marković and Davor Šuker".

Ex-Croatia striker is very familiar with the present situation of the Vatreni, and joins in on the praise.

"One really does get chills upon seeing Croatian players' clubs. Croatia was always rich in phenomenal players, while the top forwards like Mandžukić, Kalinić, and Perišić now play for Juventus, Milan, and Inter, with the midfielders like Modrić, Kovačić, and Rakitić playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona. I am overjoyed that the entire team plays for the European greats, that is the proof of Croatian quality".

Can Croatia reach 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and what can be achieved there?

"I have no doubt that Croatia will play in Russia. Providing there will be no injuries, Croatia will have an even better opportunity than last summer in France. We are even more experience, the players are at the peak of their careers, the team is covered in all positions. Coach Čačić is doing a good job and the players will undoubtedly do their part. With a bit of luck, a lot can be achieved".

What was the key to winning the bronze medal at France '98?

"That Croatia team very experienced, starting their careers in the strong league of former Yugoslavia. Croatia was very powerful regarding team spirit - just like it is now - and we also had a bit of luck. There is no point in comparing generations, both teams were full of great players".

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