Dalić: "Croatia has to stay calm, patient, and smart"

The first leg of FIFA World Cup play-offs is scheduled for 9 November at Maksimir Stadium, and Croatia head coach is preparing to replace injured midfielder Milan Badelj, as Greece has to cope with Kostas Manolas suspension.

"Manolas will be replaced by HSV's Papadopoulos, who is also tough, responsible and aggressive. Greece have their own problem, but they will accept no excuses. In Zagreb, they will try to defend and keep a clean sheet, with long balls, counterattacks, and set pieces in offence. We have to be careful, their style of play is dangerous, and we have to stay calm, concentrated, patient, and smart. Milan Badelj would be very useful to us, especially in marking Fortounis, but I have I no doubts considering the starting lineup. We'll se how to replace Badelj, and we need Brozović, who lacks match fitness, but has played 15 or 20 minutes for Inter", explains Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić.

"There is not a lot of time, but we will have the chance to talk, to analyze, to practice wing plays and other moves. I contacted the players on everyday basis, they are happy to come, aware of the stakes. Everything is in our hands, and even though we respect Greece, Croatia has to present its quality", he added.

Dalić is fully focused on the upcoming challenge. 

"Of course, rainy conditions would suit Greece better, yet we seek no alibi in weather or injuries. We have a job to do, and we'll discuss nothing else. If we defeat Greece, everything else will be easily settled. I enjoy my job, I'm not afraid to work and tackle challenges. I look forward to these days, and I believe in this national team. The whole nation awaits success, and I'm ready. Greece has lost only to Belgium, proving their defensive quality and discipline. We must not rush, our supporters must not rush, realizing opportunities will be rare. However, we'll take one step at the time", concludes Dalić.

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