Gvardiol: “Everything feels much easier now”

On the Match

“The second half was better than the first. We need to analyze the game and see where we can improve. There was a lot of space, and most of the second balls ended up with them. They created several counterattacks as well.

However, I have to say that we tracked back well, from the first player to the last, as much as we could. We raised our level in the second half, and I’m happy for Budimir that he scored. In the end, we got the three points.”

On His Own Performance

“I don’t really know what to say. From the outside, things probably look different, and it probably wasn’t my best performance. What I can say is that I wasn’t very involved in the game during the first half when I was on the pitch.

Perhaps it was a good decision by the coach to move Perišić into defense and bring on some fresh legs. In the end, it proved to be a positive move. The only thing that matters is the three points.”

On the Rest of the Tournament

“Everything feels much easier after a victory. Ideally, we would like to continue in the same way, but the next match certainly won’t be easy. England drew with them despite being the dominant side.

That is another reminder that there are no easy matches at this World Cup. We need to recover, prepare properly, and go after another three points.”

On Panama and Ghana

“The main problem was that Panama sat very deep, with many players in the defensive line. It was difficult to break down that block.

One excellent move down the right side early in the second half changed everything. After we scored, they had to open up and push forward, which gave us more space and allowed our game to come through.

We can expect something similar against Ghana. We will prepare thoroughly, find a new approach and game plan, and hopefully be ready.”

On the Atmosphere After the Match

When asked what head coach Zlatko Dalić said after the game, Gvardiol replied:

“He didn’t really comment on the match. We were more focused on Luka’s 200th appearance. I would like to congratulate him once again on an incredible and remarkable achievement.”

The victory over Panama not only earned Croatia three crucial points but also provided a significant confidence boost ahead of the decisive group-stage clash with Ghana, while the team continued celebrating the historic 200-cap milestone of captain Luka Modrić.

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.