1 Day till Mexico: “We have the Speed for the Mexican Defence”

Croatia will have their last training session today ahead of tomorrow’s final Group A match with Mexico after arriving in Recife yesterday…

Coach Niko Kovač was keeping tomorrow’s starting line-up close to his chest, and says Croatia must be on their game to deal with the tricky Mexicans.

“I am happy with how preparations are going for Mexico. We know everything about our opponents, and now we just hope that the players play just as quality as they have in the last two games. We have to be on our game in both directions, and considering the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, I have a few combinations,” said Kovač, who was deflecting all questions about a possible starting eleven tomorrow night.

With the unlikely scenario of Cameroon defeating Brazil, Croatia need to win on Monday.

“I know what we need to do, but we have 90 minutes. From the first minute we will try to impose our rhythm because an early goal will ease the situation, but we will be a patient. I think we are quality in set pieces and we have enough speed for the Mexican defence,” Kovač said, adding that Croatia will try to step it up a gear from what they have shown in their opening two matches. (pic: Drago Sopta / HNS)