Dalić: "Not an easy task", Modrić: "Ready to respond"

Zlatko Dalić

"After seven practice sessions, including both defensive and attacking actions, we have no right to wait and defend in front of the home crowd. Our chance lies in ball possession, which is dangerous and we have to stay focused and responsible. Due to heat, we will not be able to press the opponent, and it will not be an easy task. There is always pressure on Croatia, especially following the loss in Hungary. Now we need 15 more points to reach EURO 2020, and Wales is our first opportunity. Gareth Bale has always been their main threat, and he is well-supported in attack. Welsh forwards are really quick, and caution is required"

Luka Modrić

"We expect a really tough match. Wales is probably the best team in the group, alongside Croatia, and we cannot afford any mistakes following the loss to Hungary. We are interested only in victory. We have positive experience from Osijek and enjoy a phenomenal support here, which is important. We have been preparing for the heat, and I personally like to play early. I hope there will be no problems. Every Croatia international is ready to respond to the challenge and prove his worth, with Wales being a well-organized team with quality individuals besides Gareth Bale. We respect them all, and they know how to win qualifying matches. I'll speak to Gareth after the match, and knowing how much playing for Wales means to him, I expect him in top form. I can only hope we can manage to stop him"

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