Kovač: "We have to fight like these people do"

Niko and Robert Kovač, together with Ivica Olić, have met with the highest police representatives and inquired about the efforts undertaken to protect the local population during the catastrophic floods in Eastern Slavonia.

The national team delegation has visited some of the devastated towns, such as Gunja and Rajevo Selo, where they have listened to witness accounts about previous days, troubles and rescue operations.

"If we are to fight on the pitch as you are fighting here and now, all will be well", said coach Kovač, praising the police, firefighters, local population and everyone who has come to help.

"Croatians know how to show kindness and stay together in these kind of situations. It is difficult to see this level of devastation, but it is encouraging to see how far are we willing to go in order to help each other", he added.

They have also visited the Cerna camp and at least temporarily brought a smile to people's faces. The kids enjoyed taking photographs and talking to their football heroes. Niko Kovač expressed his support for the organizations that are helping take care of the people who have lost their homes and announced:

"I have spoken to the team captain, Darijo Srna, and we have decided that the players and the coaching staff will renounce a part of World Cup play-off win bonus, thus giving one million kuna to the victims. We also invite supporters to buy tickets for the Mali match in Osijek and support the Croatian Football Federation action. Supporting the team this time represents supporting the country. These people have always been by our side, now we wanted to show that we will stand by them".

The ticket sales profits from the friendly match with Mali (May 31st in Osijek) will be donated to the victims, as well as the tickets sales profits from the U-21s qualification match against Ukraine in Zagreb. The tickets for the Croatia - Mali match are available HERE.