Kovač: "Switzerland a challenge for Croatia"

Croatian national football team will face Switzerland on Wednesday, March 5th, in St. Gallen. This friendly match will allow head coach Niko Kovač to assess his team as he prepares for the World Cup.

"We have to consider the needs of the team when selecting players, and check their physical condition. Some players, especially those from Russia and Ukraine, are still in the process of preparations for the next stage of their championships. At the end of the season, players are tired, and we will not have time for complete basic preparations", said Kovač.

Switzerland will be a tough opponent, reckons Kovač:

"Switzerland is above Croatia when looking at the FIFA ranking table and I expect a difficult match. We have lost several players to injuries, and we will not give up on the system introduced in play-off matches against Iceland, 4-2-3-1. We have experienced and smart players. Moreover, I want a good result in Switzerland, as a confirmation that we are doing a good job".

Croatia will open the World Cup against Brazil in Sao Paulo.

"Brazil is not comparable to Switzerland, but Switzerland is a challenge for Croatia, since this is a team with more quality then Iceland. In St. Gallen, we are getting close to what we can expect at the World Cup", said the Croatian head coach.

Considering the World Cup, Niko Kovač had to address few more topics:

"We are aware that Brazil is playing the same system, usually with the same players, for two years and their plays are sometimes perfect. However, the opening match provides us with more motivation, and we already have a couple of ideas how to play against Brazil. I am not yet sure whether Eduardo will replace the suspended Mandžukić, there are three more months to decide".

"We do not want comparisons with Brazil. Croatia has its own style of play and its own identity. We think only of the first three group matches and want to enjoy our football. We will do everything we can to reach the next round", concluded Kovač.

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