PHOTOS: First Croatia training session ahead of crucial qualifier
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
ZAGREB, 11 November 2019 – Zlatko Dalic has put his squad through their paces on Monday evening for the first time ahead of Saturday’s crucial EURO 2020 qualifier against Slovakia in Rijeka.
The Croatia squad gathered in the capital Zagreb on Monday without the suspended Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida. Vice-captain Ivan Rakitic (achilles tendon), Andrej Kramaric (knee) and Matej Mitrovic (foot) arrived in Zagreb but have all been ruled out of the game due to injuries.
Cagliari midfielder Marko Rog has been called up to the squad to cover for Rakitic, whilst Hajduk defender Josip Juranovic joins the squad to cover for Mitrovic.
Defender Borna Barisic and midfielder Josip Brekalo also sat out the session on Monday evening as a precautionary measure.
The squad will head to Opatija on Tuesday where they will continue the build up for the game with four more training sessions.
Croatia needs one point to make sure of qualification for EURO 2020.
“We are not going for a point, we must seek victory. We must not be overwhelmed by the result in Slovakia (4-0),” said Dalic.
The squad faces Georgia on 19 November in an International friendly.
