EURO 2016: “This Generation Can Step Out of the Shadow of 1998 Side”
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Croatia celebrate qualification in Malta (photo/dragosopta/hns)
Croatia coach Ante Čačić believes this generation of players has what it takes to finally step out of the shadow of the golden 1998 generation that finished third at the World Cup in France….
Croatia will return to France next year, the scene of their most famous footballing performance in history after qualifying for Euro 2016 last night with a 1-0 win in Malta, and coach Čačić believes the time has come.
“This generation has to finally do all it can to step out of the shadow of Vatreni (98 team),” said the new coach, who took over from Niko Kovač last month.
“The feeling is beautiful! Croatia has qualified for 9 major tournaments out of 11, which first of all the players are most deserved, then the whole federation. I would like to thank my predecessor Niko Kovač who done a great job, but also all of those who supported us the whole time. We deserved to be in the top two of the group,” he added.
Čačić was not the only one quick to thank Kovač.
“This is a great celebration and great satisfaction. Finally all of the work paid off. I would like to thank all those who have been with us, as well as former coach Niko Kovač, said Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić.
