Croatia have stepped up their preparations towards their World Cup 2018 opening group match against Nigeria, as the team is scheduled to open camp next Saturday, May 26, in Zagreb, which would also be ahead of two friendlies lined up for the squad next month.
The Vatreni will face Brazil on June 3 at Anfield in Liverpool, England, before taking on Senegal on home soil in Osijek five days later, after which they are expected to depart for Russia on June 11.
Croatia will clash with Nigeria in their first Group D match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on June 16 in Kaliningrad before facing Argentina and Iceland on June 21st and 26th respectively.
Heading into the last lap of their preparations, Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalic, says having four players featuring in the final of the 2017/18 UEFA Europa League UEFA Champions League confirms the quality in his side ahead of the World Cup.
Real Madrid’s duo, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will face Dejan Lovren’s Liverpool in the final of the UEFA Champions League while Sime Vrsalijko lined out for Atletico Madrid in a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille in the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Before that, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic won double titles with Barcelona and Juventus respectively in the outgoing season, all of which make Dalić delighted and believes the aura will boost their aspirations at Russia 2018..
“We are proud to have a Champions league winner sixth time running, and I wish Luka the best of luck. Mateo, and Dejan, as well as Sime in the Europa League final. This confirms the quality of Croatia’s side, and allow us to feel optimistic on the eve of the World Cup.
“The players look forward to the upcoming challenge, we are aware that the entire Croatia will breathe with us. We must do everything to justify our supporters’ love, trust, and expectations
“I am happy that many Croatia internationals have the opportunity to fight for club trophies, and I congratulate everyone who won silverware this season,” Dalić enthused.