Marco Pašalić: “The coach decides how much I’ll play; I only know I’ll give my maximum”

The winger made his national team debut in November 2023 against Latvia and scored his first international goal against North Macedonia in June 2024 at Rujevica, where he spent two seasons playing for Rijeka. Since February 2025, he has been playing for Orlando City and, alongside Petar Musa, is one of only two Croatian national team players currently competing in MLS.

On weather delays in the United States...

“Storms? That’s normal in America. I experienced it in Orlando — a match was supposed to start at 7:30 p.m., but it kicked off three hours later, and I didn’t get home until 4 a.m. It disrupts your rhythm a bit, but it is what it is.”

On whether he is ready to take on a bigger role at this World Cup...

“I don’t have any expectations that I must play; the coach decides that. My job is to work hard, and I’ll give everything I have. That’s the kind of player and person I am. I think I made a big step forward when I moved to MLS. I learned to play a new position, operating between the lines, and that has helped my game a lot. I have to thank Orlando’s coach because he helped me tremendously.”

On whether he feels at home in the United States...

“Yes, I can say I feel at home. I’ve gotten used to the time differences and everything else. I understand that it’s not the same for everyone, but it was easier for me because I was motivated to return to the national team. I’m happy that the World Cup is being held in America.”

On England...

“England is a good team, and we’ll be ready. But, as I keep saying, I don’t like making big statements beforehand.”

On occasionally training in boxing...

“It helped me a lot. I trained boxing in both Germany and Croatia. It was an outlet for me, a way to relieve stress. I did it because I enjoyed it.”

On his recent injury...

“The injury came at a bad time, but I guess everything happens for a reason in life. Everything is fine now; I’m at 100 percent. After all, I played in the match against Slovenia.”

On how he would celebrate a goal...

“I’m not sure how I’d celebrate if I scored against England. I have two celebrations — shooting an arrow and drinking a cappuccino...”

Copyright by Croatian Football Federation. Quoting text from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to HNS as a source and providing direct link to the original content at hns.family. Re-use of the photographs is not permitted.