A little less than three months before the start of the World Cup, the Croatian national team will travel to the USA, where they will play two friendly matches against Colombia and Brazil in Orlando.
The representatives will March 23 arrive in Orlando from their destinations, and on the same day, the headquarters and delegation of the Association, along with players from the SuperSport Croatian Football League, will depart from Zagreb.
“Fire” first he expects a trial against Colombia on March 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, and five days later at the same stadium and against Brazil. It will be the sixth meeting between “Vatreni” and “Selecao”, and we all still remember the historic victory in the quarter-finals of the WC in Qatar.
Dalić has repeatedly emphasized that he wants strong rivals in the preparations before World Cup. The choice fell on five-time world champions Brazil, and South American runners-up Colombia.
It has been almost four months since the last gathering. We are readydiligent and motivatedsaid the coach in the introduction of the press conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Zagreb.
Two tough games await us, two big tests. We have a bit of a problem with the staff, especially with the left back. We hope that Joško will be ready. We are thinking about other things, so as not to waste Stanisic at fullback in two games.
I’m thinking about it to start playing again with three players in defenseand to use more offensive players on the backs. We have Vusković who is playing great in Hamburg, but I want to see him in the center back position. They are on the right flank Smolcic and Jakicif necessary and Pasalic. I can go left Stanisic or Perisicthe selector pointed out.
First exam “Fiery” will have against Colombia.
First up is Colombia with fast and brilliant playersit will be a big test. These are really difficult games, but they will give us answers about our condition. I will try to give everyone a chance, against Colombia the transition, the return run will be important. That will be our preparation for Ghana which also has fast players.
As for Brazilthey are the biggest favorite WC–a. It will be a match as expected against Englandwe will be in the block, we must not lose our heads and must be concentrated. We will need strength and energy. In these matches, we will get a lot more answers, about the condition, than with easier opponents. I know this is risky, but Croatia deserves to play only with the besthe added.
The biggest question marks are still around Josko Guardiolawho is running a race against time after a serious injury.
After the tour we go to Manchester. Joško is a very important player for us. His energy and power are important to us. He will be a “knap”, we will see in which direction it goes. He is an extremely important player for us to leave it to the elements. I hope it will be OK, from our side we will do everything as he was readyexplained Dalić.
He also referred to the situation in the midfield.
For many years it was our strongest strength. I’m glad that some are coming back, especially Baturinwell Port Sucic that catches the strings. Mateo Kovačić we really need him, he will remain in the club in order to train in agreement with the club.
I believe that I will be back on the field soon. Baturina understood some things, clicked and fought for big things. Luka Sučić had an injury, the coach praises him, Lovro Mayer he is not playing again, a new coach has arrived. Moro plays very well in bologna, Sucic in Inter. Four months ago the picture was different, now it is the way I wishedhe pointed out.
He added that he would Vušković all the time to be with the A selection, he is looking forward to it Livakovic returned between the posts.
Vušković will stay with us for both games. At the club, he plays with three in defense, here he will play with four. I want to see him in full power in the position of right stopper. Livakovic? It’s great that he’s back, that he’s fit. It is important to defendthat he is in shape and that makes me happy.
He also commented on the situation in the attack, especially with the top scorer of the Croatian league Beljom.
It’s his chances as with the other five. We watch it, we follow it. We revolve around four, five strikers. Budimir is unquestionable, Kramarić drags us in eight years. Matanović is back in shape, playing standard. Musa started the season, he scored three goals. There are also White and Kovačevićtheir chances are the same as everyone else’s. There is also Ivanovic and Petkovic who is currently injured. They have time to impose themselves.
Dalić emphasized that he is aware of the expensive and long journey to the USA, but he is convinced that the “Vatreni” will have it great fan support.
It’s a problem, a long and expensive journey, but I’m sure there will be a lot of Croatian fans. I expect a lot of support and a lot of our fanssaid Dalić, while being the spokesperson Tomislav Pacak added how he is interest in tickets was record breaking.
It was more than 368,000 ticket requestswhich says it all. The Croatian contingents are sold out, but I am sure, considering the resourcefulness of our fans, that the support will be at a high level, certainly higher than in Russia and Qatar.
Dalić also commented on the situation with the assistants.
It is written and discussed. It bothered me that it said it was Vida refused the national team. To refuse, someone has to offer you. Vida continues, he is a legend and he would never refuse, they would make a deal. Watch out for it because it hurts us all. It is not the mode of how we live and how we create. We are thinking about Lovren, Badelja, Rakitić and to all those who want to continue on that path. If we don’t find the optimal one, we stay with the pivot as it is.
We have Charlie and Dražena, Port and Marchhe said.
At the end of the press conference HNS has awarded awards for the best photographs during the year 2025. He won first place Ante Čižmićthe second was Damir Krajačand third place Marko Lukunić.
After the American tour, “Vatreni” will perform final checks before the trip to base camp at the beginning of June in Alexandria. First he will June 2nd to host in Rujevica Belgiumand the last check will be a trial with Slovenia in Varaždin June 7reports Hina.
Croatia will open the world exhibition in Dallas against of England June 17 at 10:00 p.m. The next match he plays against Panama in Toronto June 23and the last one in the group June 27 in Philadelphia v Ghana.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Goran Stanzl / Pixsell)
