Baturina: “We have great quality and we know how we need to play”

On the praise he has been receiving...

“I don’t really know what to say. I’m grateful for the support people have shown me. It definitely means a lot when I hear positive things about myself, but it only motivates me to keep improving. That’s football. Maybe I didn’t start the season in the best way, but I never stopped believing in myself. I kept working hard, and it paid off.”

On Croatia’s group-stage matches...

“We had a very tough opponent in the first game. In the second match, we played under pressure because we knew we had to win. We beat Ghana, collected six points in the group, and advanced to the next round.”

On Portugal...

“They are an outstanding national team, not only because of their midfield, which is truly excellent. They also have Ronaldo, who is always dangerous. We’ll prepare well for them.”

On the midfielders in the Croatian squad who play in Serie A...

“That’s just how it worked out. I’m happy that we’re all playing in the same league.”

On Croatia’s attacking chemistry...

“We’ve scored a lot of beautiful goals, and that shows the quality we have in this team. I’m happy about that, and we need to keep it going.”

On how to deal with Portugal’s midfield...

“They have very good players, and it’s never easy to play against them. We have to stay focused and be fully prepared. We can’t give them anything for free. We have great quality ourselves, and we know how we need to play. This is the World Cup—every opponent is difficult. Mentally, it will be challenging for both them and us.”

Messi or Ronaldo?

“As kids, we all chose between the two of them. Now, as an adult, I appreciate both of them, and personally, I like them equally.”

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