Croatia Boss Makes Promise to England Ahead of World Cup Clash – ‘We Want More’
England and Croatia kick off their respective World Cup campaigns against each other in Dallas, and Zlatko Dalić has spoken out ahead of the game with a strong warning for England.
Zlatko Dalic has warned England his side will not ‘just defend’ in their World Cup opener. The two teams come together in Dallas on Wednesday evening to get their group campaigns underway.
Both teams are fancied to progress to the knockout stages, albeit England head into the game as favourites, with some having tipped the Three Lions to go all the way and claim the trophy.
And while Dalic is aware that his side will be faced with a difficult challenge, he has vowed that his side will be going all out to win the game.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 59-year-old said: “A tough match awaits us, the start of the World Cup, and the toughest opponent possible. We’ve prepared well, and I’d be happy if we show that tomorrow.
“England is an important match, but not a decisive one. We know their quality — they are dangerous, especially down the wings, and they have one of the best strikers in the world. We will give our best, we won’t just defend, we want more. That’s how we prepared.”
Croatia Aiming to Go One Better
Croatia will be aiming to go one better in the USA, Canada and Mexico. They reached the 2018 final in Russia, beating England in the semi-finals in the process.
Dalic’s side then sealed another semi-final place four years later but saw their run ended by eventual winners Argentina. And while the Croatia boss has praised his side for their development over recent years, he wants them to make fresh history.
He added: “It feels the same as the first time. The medals were amazing; nobody expected them. We created a world miracle, but that is history.
“We cannot live off that forever. Now we want to achieve great things again, and we have big ambitions. We are ready for high expectations, but there are many other teams with quality who want the same as we do.”
England Renew Rivalries with Croatia
Following their clash with England, Croatia will then turn their attention to their second group game against Panama in Toronto ahead of a showdown with Ghana.
On his side’s upcoming opponents, England boss Thomas Tuchel said: “It is a very difficult start. It is an experienced team, an experienced coach, in tournament knockout football. It’s a top football nation and a very strong opponent. The centre of gravity in their game has dropped a bit, into a back three, we expect.
“From a midfield three, which was the core of Croatia, it has only Kovacic and Modric still there. They’re playing in a midfield two now. They play with fluid No 10s and wing-backs. But the core is still Modric and Kovacic.
“Then they have Perisic, who is always a threat with the crosses. That is one of the most dangerous crossers in world football, maybe – left foot, right foot, he does not even need space to put a cross in. It is remarkable. And they are strong in set pieces.”
