Stanković: "Smart, brave, and lucky"

Two and a half minutes before the end, Matija Capar scored the equalizer and Croatia secured a point against the European champions, at the beginning of the UEFA Futsal EURO in Belgium. Spain has for many years been untouchable to its opponents, making this Croatia's achievement an extraordinary one.

Croatia head coach Mato Stanković conceded that a bit of luck was necessary, yet he emphasized the courage of his team:

"I would like to avoid the cliche of congratulating my boys, but I need to do it. They have played a heroic match, they have been smart and brave. We've had ups and downs, but we have done exactly what we have agreed before the match. We've had a bit of luck, and many things have to go your way in order to play like this against Spain, including courage and belief".

Even though Croatia praised Spanish abilities before the tournament, Stanković revealed that the team believed in a good result:

"We said that Spain is like the NBA league to us, that they are a much better team. Among ourselves we have talked differently, believing that we can achieve something and so we did. We are not yet aware of what we have accomplished today".

Croatia does not have time to celebrate. On Friday, the match versus Czech Republic will be crucial for the place in the quarterfinals.

"First, the rest is needed. Then we have to prepare mentally, and avoid expectations of an easy match, as Croatians sometimes do. The match against Spain has to be forgotten, only then we can build on tonight's achievement".

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