Dalić: "Excellent effort, but Croatia can do even better"

In the second match of this year's US Tour, Croatia defeated Mexico 1:0 - Ivan Rakitić scored from a penalty spot - and head coach Zlatko Dalić could only compliment the players.

"I congratulate my players, and also congratulate Mexico on a fair-play approach. We have performed very well, being aggressive and compact in defence, creating in unity a couple of clear-cut chances, despite scoring only one. Moreover, we were close to scoring from open play, as we were dangerous and direct. I am happy with Croatia performance, the players have responded with quality. I have asked for tough opponents, and while being poor against Peru, now we were up to the challenge. The players have given their best, against a good Mexico side, preventing them from creating chances, which makes this win very important", says Dalić.

"I am happy with our performance, as well as the result, but I am convinced that Croatia can do even better. Croatia presented quality, and better approach than in Miami. Now we feel better, it would have been very difficult if we lost both US Tour matches. All the credit to the players for their effort, our youngsters have suggested they can take over positions in the national team. There is a lot of work to be done before the World Cup, and unfortunately Badelj and Vrsaljko had to be substituted due to injury issues. We have to see how we can cope with Brazil and Senegal, but I feel optimistic, I have my objective and my plan, and hope we can reach the World Cup second stage - and maybe even more", he continued.

"Rebić was fantastic, Kovačić was excellent, and Ćorluka's comeback after one-year absence is great news. Should Pjaca reach his maximum level, we can have a brilliant combination on the wings. Now I have some answers that I did not have before. I cannot be sure who will play against Argentina in the World Cup. No one is safe in the starting lineup", concluded Dalić.

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