Croatia’s United States Tour Matches & Dates Confirmed

by croatiaweek
December 27, 2017
in Sport

Croatia off to the US in March (HNS)

A full-strength Croatian side will play two matches in the United States in March 2018 as it builds up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia next summer.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will take on Peru and Mexico in friendly matches on American soil in March.

Croatia will first face Peru on 23 March 2018 at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami.

Hard Rock Stadium Miami (Photo: Adam First under CC)

Four days later on 27 March 2018 Croatia will play Mexico at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

AT&T Stadium in Dallas (Nicole Cordeiro under CC)

“We have agreed two extremely strong matches, which is what coach Dalic requested. We are proud that Croatia will play at two fantastic stadiums and that our large diaspora community in America will again have the chance to see ‘Vatreni’ in action, this time the full-strength team,” HNS president Davor Suker said, before adding.

“In May we played in Los Angeles which was a success in all aspects, and these two matches prove that the Croatian Football Federation is sought after and is an attractive partner for these type of football spectacles.”

Croatia took on Mexico earlier this year in Los Angeles (HNS)

“I am extremely satisfied with these two agreed matches. Peru and Mexico are powerful sides, and their style of play will be excellent preparation for our matches at the World Cup, especially the one against Argentina. I believe a large number of Croatian fans will support us and these top stadiums, great atmosphere and excellent opposition will be a great motive for our players to give it their maximum in these two friendlies because we know it is an important test ahead of the World Cup,” coach Dalic said.

Zlatko Dalic (Photo: HNS)

Croatia has never faced Peru before. Currently ranked 11th in the world, Peru qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Russia courtesy of a playoff victory over New Zealand.

Mexico and Croatia have met a number of times, most recently in Los Angeles where a youthful Croatian side secured a 2-1 victory.