Croatia Optimistic Ahead of FIFA U-17 World Cup

Croatia open the FIFA U-17 World Cup against hosts Chile tomorrow night…

Croatia are quietly confident on the eve of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which opens in Chile on Saturday. Croatia have been draw in the same group as hosts Chile, USA and Nigeria, and after a 4-3 warm-up win against Mexico during the week, coach Dario Bašić is happy with how preparations have been going.

“We have worked very hard on our defence and the organisation of the game as well as the attack. Of course, we have to have more stability but I am pleased that our attackers have improved and that they are scoring more goals,” Bašić said.

“A lot was invested in this generation, while the World Cup is a difficult tournament which requires quality squad and a cool head. Our expectations are great, yet there are many nation who invest heavily in football. However, I am optimistic because this is a good generation, they are all good guys with strong characters. I especially like their team spirit, and we have many individuals who can reach the senior squad”, said Croatia Football Federation technical director Romeo Jozak.

Croatia’s schedule:

17 October: Chile v Croatia
20 October: USA v Croatia
23 October: Croatia v Nigeria

Croatia’s squad:

Adrian Šemper (Dinamo), Ivan Nevistić (Rijeka), Matej Hudećek (Dinamo), Branimir Kalaica (Dinamo), Vinko Soldo (Dinamo), Martin Erlić (Sassuolo), Marko Đira (Dinamo), Nikola Moro (Dinamo), Luka Pasariček (Dinamo), Luka Ivanušec (Lokomotiva), Neven Đurasek (Dinamo), Marin Šverko (Karlsruhe), Borna Sosa (Dinamo), Davor Lovren (Dinamo), Matko Babić (Lokomotiva), Josip Brekalo (Dinamo), Dino Halilović (Udinese), Marin Karamarko (OSK Otok), Karlo Igor Majić (Dinamo), Bruno Šutalo (Hajduk) and Ivan Delić (Hajduk)