Dalić and Badelj present the plan for Iceland match

Zlatko Dalić

"Croatia prepares for Iceland in the same way it prepared for Nigeria and Argentina. We came here to win, without conceding a goal, and win three points to confirm that we deserve top of the table. I'll take care of my team, avoiding what others think or write. This is Croatia national team, regardless of the starting lineup, and we can achieve a positive result. Croatia will stick to its style of play - we know everything about Iceland, and vice versa, and we know what has to be done. We need to defend long balls and set-pieces, and seek possession. A compact defense will allow us to attack. We respect Iceland, especially since they've beaten us in qualifiers, sending us to the play-offs. This is, however, a new match, and now we must fight and present our quality, despite securing second round berth. 

"It is difficult to compare this generation with our bronze-winning team in 1998, since football has significantly changed. Still, we have excellent players, a lot of potential, and we would like to repeat that success. These are nice memories for us, and we would like at least to come close to third place. Regarding our possible opponent in the Round of 16, we will probably not be able to choose - and even if we did, we wouldn't do it. This was not even discussed"

Milan Badelj

"Every team has to look a few steps in advance, and it is our right to prepare the match in the best possible way. We have to stay focused on our next opponent, Iceland, that is the only proper path. I believe this team can go far, since we are calm, experienced, and aware of our strength. However, we need to continue playing like this. We are familiar with the Icelandic team, and they know us very well. I am looking forward to this match, and hope to find a way to win, and make amends for the Reykjavik defeat. We are aware of our fans' support, how they dream of success, just as we do. This gives us extra strength, and a big thank you goes to everyone who loves Croatia national team so passionately"

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