Kovač: "My players were fantastic, fighting to the very end"

Croatian national football team returns victorious from Bulgaria, thanks to Bodurov own goal and fighting spirit among Niko Kovač's men in a very difficult away task.

"I believe Croatia deserved to win, especially after dominating the first half. We only needed to avoid Bulgarian set-piece chances, and in the second half we waited for counterattacking chances. Bulgaria put some pressure on us, but my players were fantastic, fighting to the very end. They showed character, just as I asked them to do, because the team that put more effort in these kind of matches - wins", said Kovač after the match.

Kovač provided a successful answer to motivated Bulgaria.

"We wanted an experienced, firm and aggressive first team. Our quality was never in doubt, yet we needed to embrace the fight. We did, which proves that Croatia lives in harmony", commented Croatia head coach.

Rakitić's free-kick was the beginning of the decisive move.

"What we practiced in training proved crucial, knowing we have to take even the smallest of chances, such as a set-piece. The players contributed to this win just as the coaching staff did, making an excellent analysis", emphasized Kovač.

On Monday, Croatia hosts Azerbaijan in Osijek and must not compromise the winning ways continued in Bulgaria.

"We need to confirm this result with yet another win. These qualifiers have shown how difficult it is to play against somewhat less-known opponents, and besides, Azerbaijan gave Italy a really hard time", concluded Niko Kovač.

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