Kovač: "Things have turned in the second half"

 The international friendly between Switzerland and Croatia ended in a 2:2 draw, with both teams preparing for the World Cup in Brazil in three months time. Switzerland had the upper hand in the first half, and Croatia created more chances in the second.

"In the first half we lacked aggression and passion, we did not play direct and dangerous football. The attitude was different than what I demanded. Things have turned in the second half, when Croatia started to play the way we want to and had many opportunities to score. The final result is fair, both teams can be satisfied", said Kovač.

He commented on a couple of players' performance as well, since he had tried out several new options and brought on several biggest stars as substitutes.

"Subašić was very good between the posts, he was not nervous and could not do anything to prevent Switzerland's goals. I am satisfied with Maleš as well, he did his job in defence. Jelavić had no chance to prove himself since the opportunities were virtually non-existent before the break. We agreed to let Modrić and Mandžukić play 30 to 45 minutes, and the circumstances were such that I had to bring Mandžukić on at halftime", explained Kovač.

"I can not be satisfied with everything we have allowed to our opponent in the first half, we failed to close down the midfield. We have to act differently against Brazil. The defence begins with the strikers, as we have done against Iceland in November", he added.

Josip Drmić scored twice for Switzerland, and Ivica Olić responded for Croatia.

"Drmić has brilliant potential, I regret that he does not play for Croatia. However, I congratulate him and I am happy for the boy", said Kovač.

In the end, Kovač apologized to the Swiss supporters and his hosts: "I apologize for the way some of our supporters behaved. We have been very nicely received in Switzerland and we have to respond in a civilized manner".

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