Croatia trains for first time ahead of EURO qualifier in Split against Hungary

by croatiaweek
October 7, 2019
in Sport

OMIŠ, 7 October 2019 – The Croatian football team has trained for the first time tonight ahead of their important EURO 2020 qualifier against Hungary.

Zlatko Dalić’s side gathered in Split on Monday afternoon before making their way to the the town of Omiš where they held their first session just before sunset. Croatia meets Hungary at a sold-out Poljud Stadium on Thursday (20:45).

🔥 #Vatreni back together!

📸 #Croatia national team meets in Split#BeProud #Family pic.twitter.com/EV4FyBSMpD
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2019

“Nobody has reported health problems, and it is crucial that we depend on ourselves, we need five or six points to secure a spot at EURO 2020. It is inconvenient that we lost in Hungary 2:1 and we need to fix it – so that if it comes down to it, we have a better head-to-head against the Hungarians. The Hungarians certainly have the added confidence and motive, but if we set ourselves up like against Slovakia, there should be no problem. We need to be careful. We need to practice defensive set pieces, that’s been a problem for us, but first of all, we need to show concentration, willpower and strength – we need to set up a formation and decide that the player you mark must not score. That’s half the solution,” Dalic said a press conference before today’s training session.

Dalic welcomes back Ivan Rakitić and Mateo Kovačić after both missed the Slovakia and Azerbaijan qualifiers last month.

“I’m glad Rakitić is back with us, Vlašić is in great shape. Unfortunately, Rebić did not play a few games in Milan and I will see what his status is when we talk. Modrić’s goal on the weekend gave him more confidence after his injury. There never a problem with Modrić, as captain he would walk here if necessary.”

Dalić says he is looking forward to the match at Poljud Stadium.

“It would be full even if there were 100,000 seats. Tickets sold out in one day and that shows how much Split and Dalmatia love and respect their national team. I expect great support, a good match and victory for us.”