Croatia and Belgium meet on Thursday, December 1, at 18:00 local time at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar. Both national teams held press conferences with the coach and one player, with Belgium taking the floor first.
Player Timothy Castagne answered questions first.
How did you feel after Monday’s meeting, and will it change something on the pitch?
“It wasn’t a crisis meeting, as you might have heard. There were no insults. We used it as a way to improve and be better.”
Is Belgium in war mode?
“We are trying to show more solidarity with each other. We are trying to be more focused. We know there is a lot of pressure. We are trying to rediscover the values we had before and enjoy ourselves; that’s when we play better. It’s important for us, for Croatia, and the country. We need to play more aggressively. We need to show more control.”
Why will Belgium beat Croatia?
“I am convinced that we will win. I know the quality of our team. I know what we are capable of. We don’t need to prove anything to anyone. We will win it for us and our country.
We have been united, but not enough. You need to be united if you want to go far in a World Cup tournament. You need to fight for your teammates. The meeting was helpful in that respect. We expect a lot from each other. I don’t think our confidence is as low as people think. We are not in crisis mode like the press has said. We have been worse. If we want to be a big team and go far, we must show that even under pressure, we can deliver. It’s a big game; if we win, we go through.
We let the criticism affect us. Maybe we heard people saying we were a golden generation and started doubting ourselves. We lost some of the confidence we had. We know that we believe in ourselves.”
What do you think about the Croatia team?
“It’s tough to say there is a favorite. We know Croatia is very good and went to the final last time. We also know we have beaten them. We have the quality to win. It’ll depend on how badly Croatia or Belgium wants it.”
Does finishing 3rd in 2018 put a lot of pressure on the Belgium players?
“Yes. We know that is the standard you set yourselves. We need to not think about what might happen if we lose, but what will happen if we win.”
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez Montoliu answered the questions next:
“We were not happy with our performances. Losing 2-0 was a shock; we were unhappy with it. I think we have listened too much to the noise. The less you listen to the noise, the better.”
What does he think about Dalić?
“Dalić is a thinker, a gentleman, and we share many values. He joined in a chaotic moment. You can see a clear direction from him. He has only gotten better. I cannot speak highly enough of the job he has done.
I was impressed with Croatia against France in Nations League. The quality of this team is excellent. They have togetherness; they are brave. Lovren coming back brings added value. I would highlight this team’s competitive dynamics, not just the midfield.”
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić and Mateo Kovačić followed:
“It’s a deciding game for our group. One of the best teams in the world. We await a tough match. We saw a slightly weaker Belgium in the last two games. We are ready. We are not going for a point or to play for a draw. We need to play how we did against Canada. It will be a very tough game,” said Dalić.
“Belgium is a top team. We will show our true face as we did against Canada,” said Kovačić.
“Belgium was first on the FIFA list for a long time. The coach is amazing, and the team is amazing. We have our quality, and they have theirs. We know how challenging this game will be. We await the toughest Belgium tomorrow. We are ready for that,” added Dalić.
“We all came here to have the best World Cup. We know what we are capable of. There isn’t fear. We will do what we did against Canada,” added Kovačić.
“I’ve known Lukaku for a long time. He is a phenomenal player. We have been training for this match and how to be ready for them. De Bruyne has played in the Premier League forever. We need to be careful with him. We must focus on ourselves, though; that is most important.”
How is the atmosphere in the Croatia team?
“I am not taking into consideration anything about the meeting Belgium had. I am only thinking about them as the 2nd national team in the world. Nothing can change overnight. They are an incredible national team. They are #2, and we are #12. Our atmosphere is excellent, calm, no drama,” said Dalić.
“We played great against Canada. When we play together like that, we can beat anyone. We are going to show tomorrow that we can replicate that against Belgium. We need to show the same face we showed against Canada,” said Kovačić.
“This game is even more important than the last two. The team will give the most of themselves. It will be a much different game than against Morocco and Canada. It will be much harder. No disrespect, but Belgium is a class above,” said Dalić.
What’s the plan for Lukaku?
“We have prepared the team as if Lukaku is playing. He will get the ball, guard the ball, and find Hazard. He is a big player. He hasn’t played many games lately, but it doesn’t matter for that type of player,” said Dalić.
“The atmosphere in their team doesn’t worry us. We are only analyzing their game; that’s all that matters,” concluded Kovačić.
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