Niko Kovač: ‘This was Quality Croatia, They are Ready for EURO Qualifiers”

Croatia head coach Niko Kovač left Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula last night a happy man, after his side put Cyprus away 2:0….

“This was quality Croatia, particularly in the first 45 minutes. We had plenty of chances, twice hit the crossbar, and could have won more comfortably. In the second half we have somewhat lost our rhythm and we have to improve in that area”, said Kovač after the match.

Kovač had nothing but praise for the new young players he gave a chance to last night, singling out Barcelona’s Alen Halilović and NK RIjeka striker Andrej Kramarić.

“I am very satisfied, they all did a great job. They adapted well, these players are ready for the qualifiers. Halilović showed class, and Kramarić reminds me of Šuker with his appearance in the box. They have all work hard to be called up for the national team, and they desire to be even better. There was no fear, since they have been received as if they are experienced part of this team”, continued Kovač.

“Now we have a lot of solutions and can confidently approach the following matches. The match against Malta will be similar, but we have shown how to stretch defence like this one. We just have to be more clinical and score an early goal”, concluded Niko, who hopes to have the missing Ivan Rakitić and Nikica Jelavić available on Tuesday. (pic: Drago Sopta / HNS)