Matanović: “This was my goal when I started playing football”

On the importance of faith...

“Faith is a very important part of my family and my life. When I have time, I go to church on Sundays. When you pray to God, it feels like someone is listening to you, and it gives me a lot of strength.”

On the journey to the United States and his first impressions of Alexandria...

“We haven’t seen much yet, but it’s always special to come here. You spend your whole life living in Europe, so this is something different. I can say that the hotel is very good. We haven’t seen the training pitches yet, but I’m sure they’ll be excellent. We’re happy with everything.”

On competition among the strikers and his expectations...

“I’m not expecting too much. I’m here, and I can say that I’m ready. I had a good season. It doesn’t matter who plays up front—we’re all prepared. Whoever gets the opportunity, whether it’s one minute or ten, will be ready. I’ll be happy if I get to play at all. I appreciate the coach’s trust and the chance to experience all of this. It’s a special moment.”

On England...

“England are the favorites. They have a very strong team. They may even have the best striker in the world. From what I’ve heard from Stanišić about Harry Kane, he’s truly a great player and captain. We’ll analyze them and be ready.”

On nerves ahead of his first major tournament with Croatia...

“This has been my goal since I was a child, from the moment I started playing football and wearing the Croatian jersey. I’m very happy to have received the call-up and to be here with the national team. We have a very good squad with a lot of quality, and I hope we can achieve great things. I’ve never held a press conference in front of a hundred people before. Of course, it’s a special feeling because everyone is watching. The fact that I’m one of the players who could play at this World Cup is a huge thing.”

On playing alongside legends such as Modrić and Perišić...

“It’s a big deal to have teammates like Modrić, Perišić, Kramarić, and Kovačić. It’s very important to watch them and learn from them. I appreciate that every day and try to learn as much as I can.”

On England not conceding a goal throughout the entire qualifying campaign...

“I can say that we played in the Europa League final and that was the first time I played against a Premier League team. It’s a different kind of football—they’re stronger, more physical, and very good in duels. I expect the same in this match. As I said before, we’re all ready, and so am I. It will certainly be a very difficult game.”

On football culture in the United States...

“Maybe I’ll come here to play myself in ten or fifteen years. This tournament is something special for this country and for all of America. When I look at the stadiums in Dallas and Philadelphia, they’re huge and beautiful. We’re all ready, and we can’t wait for it to begin.”

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