Kramarić: “We older players have motivation and character, the young ones bring extra energy”

The defeat to England in the opener is already forgotten, with thoughts focused on the upcoming matches against Panama and Ghana.

“Simply, we want to get out of the group in one of the top two positions because later it can get tricky and much harder.”

About his role at the World Cup…

“I’m here, I’m alive, each of us has a role. I had a fantastic season behind me, I don’t want to go too deep into this question, everything is OK.”

About the good moments and actions against England and expectations against Panama…

“It will be a different match, Panama has a different style of football, we’ll probably have much more of the ball and chances to create opportunities. It will be up to us how aggressively we go in, especially going forward. And it doesn’t matter how, we just need to win, because those three points will mean a lot.”

On the recipe for advancing from the group compared to the last two Euros…

“Details decided it. I wouldn’t want to compare tournaments and matches. We all deserved to be at the World Cup. Those moments, those details, that concentration at that moment are the most important. Any national team can beat anyone and lose to anyone, it’s a matter of approach. I’m convinced it will be like we’re often used to.”

About the younger generation among the “Fiery Ones”…

“Great. The world is theirs for the taking, and we won’t give up. We’ve shown every year our motivation and character, and they are here to bring extra energy and kick-start our engine—they do it really well. Croatia has always had talent in all sports, and it will stay that way. They bring the energy every national team needs.”

About celebrating a birthday with the national team…

“Did we have bučnica (traditional pastry)? No, unfortunately, but I’m already used to it. I don’t even know which birthday it is now in this circle. And as much as it’s nice to be part of this family, apart from my own, a birthday is always nice to celebrate.”

About Modrić’s 200th appearance against Panama…

“An incredible number. I don’t know what smart to say about Luka—a miraculous story. Thank you, captain, for showing us the way and for giving us the privilege to experience this and play in front of him. We will give everything, not just for him but for all of us.”

About hydration breaks…

“A financial thing, ha ha ha… I don’t like it at all, especially in Dallas where it wasn’t even hot—22 degrees. Why make those breaks, you lose the rhythm of the game. I support continuing matches in weather conditions that are not problematic. Maybe in Philadelphia it will be different with 35 degrees and an open stadium, players expend more energy, but generally I’m absolutely not for it.”

About fan support…

“Of course we follow and watch it, it’s always special to be Croatian and follow these matches. And at the stadium we felt the atmosphere—it was explosive. To pass on the words of some other players: ‘We thought it was a World Cup final.’”

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.