Pongračić: “We build our optimism on the performance against Ghana”

Here is how he previewed the Round of 16 clash against Portugal, a team that some media outlets claim struggled during the group stage.

On Portugal’s performances in the group stage...

“Those group-stage matches don’t mean too much. Portugal are a team of enormous quality and can be dangerous in any situation. We have to stay highly focused, especially in the defensive phase, and I hope they won’t be at their best level and that we’ll be able to take advantage of that.”

On Portugal’s outstanding midfielders, including Neves, Fernandes, and Vitinha...

“Their midfield is their strongest area, but it’s also ours. They have fantastic midfielders, but we’ll see. Portugal are a top-class team, and we have to be fully prepared.”

On whether special attention will be paid to Cristiano Ronaldo...

“They are top-quality in every position. We have to look at them as a collective rather than focusing on individuals. Our coaching staff will prepare and analyze the match. We won’t be concentrating too much on just one player.”

On what his optimism is based on...

“For me, our last match was much better than the game against Panama. We raised the level of our performance. History has shown that this national team is capable of achieving great things. We came through a difficult group with six points, and I think that’s a phenomenal achievement.”

On his own performance and that of the defensive line...

“The coach told me that against Panama I made quite a few mistakes, unnecessary ones, particularly when building up play from the back. That’s definitely something we don’t want. Against Ghana, it was much better.”

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