Croatia Coach Ante Čačić: “We Respect Portugal But We Believe in Our Quality”

Ante Čačić confident ahead of Portugal (photo: HNS)

Croatia coach Ante Čačić is confident ahead of Saturday’s EURO 2016 Round of 16 clash with Portugal in Stade Bollaert-Delelis…

“At this stage of the competition there is no easy opponent, but we have got maybe the toughest. But, we were in the hardest group of the tournament and we managed to progress so there is no reason that we won’t go into this match without confidence,” Čačić said speaking to the HNS official website.

Čačić, who has yet to lose a match since taking over as coach of Croatia last year, says that whilst his side will go into Saturday’s match confident, he will not be underestimating his opponents.

“We respect Portugal, but we believe in our quality, togetherness and character which we have shown till now and we are looking forward to this challenge,” he said.

Čačić will have the services once again of star midfielder Luka Modrić, who was rested against Spain after limping off against the Czech Republic. Modrić will have the chance to go head to head against his club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday.

Luka Modrić to face teammate Ronaldo on Saturday

“A good side now awaits us (in the Round of 16). Our chances are 50:50, who plays better on the day will go through. Croatia are a dangerous side with very good players. Not everyone can beat Spain. Croatia done that and they must be respected,” Ronaldo said after learning he will face the Croatians.

Ronaldo is not the only one from the Portugal camp cautious. Coach Fernando Santos said that he was not happy that is side will face Croatia in the Round of 16.

“I a not happy getting Croatia. They are sharks,” he said.

CROATIA V PORTUGAL
UEFA EURO Round of 16
Saturday, June 25, 9:00 PM
Stade Bollaert-Delelis