November 17, 2024 – Coach Zlatko Dalić and captain Luka Modrić addressed the press ahead of their final UEFA Nations League match against Portugal on Monday in Split.
After losing 1-0 to Scotland in Glasgow on Friday, Croatia failed to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. But a draw against Portugal tomorrow at Poljud will be enough to send them to the next round of the competition. And good news for Croatia? Portugal is arriving with a much weaker lineup, without its biggest stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.
Recall that Croatia will also play without Petar Sučić, who was booked with a red card against Scotland.
Modrić addressed the press first ahead of Croatia’s last training session.
We know you’re the oldest on the pitch, but how does it feel to be the hardest working as well?
“I always give my maximum. Sometimes it goes well, other times I’m a little weaker. I always give everything I can on the pitch. That has always been my goal with the national team. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly or a final. There is no bigger honor than to wear the Croatia jersey.
I always try to be a role model on and off the pitch – to lead by example. I want the younger generation or young players to follow that and look up to me. I want everyone to give their best effort but I want to show that even at my age you can be your best.”
Were you able to get back your energy for tomorrow after losing to Scotland with 10 men?
“We will find the energy for tomorrow. We are playing in front of a full stadium. We have had a good Nations League so far, even if some results aren’t there. There is no room for an alibi. We have to show everything on the pitch, it doesn’t matter that Portugal will not play some of their best players. It won’t be easy.”
What will be the key for tomorrow’s match?
“We will see. Every game is specific. We need to play our game as we have this entire campaign, with high energy. There have been a lot of positives and we need to approach the game the same way.”
Will playing on Vukovar Remembrance Day be a bigger motive?
“Of course, this will be a huge motive. It’s an emotional day for all Croats, and we know what it means for our nation and our people.”
Why does Croatia always leave everything to the last round?
“I wish I knew that too, haha. Through all of these historic games, we have gotten stronger as a team. We became recognizable for our fighting spirit and are the best when it’s the hardest.”
Dalić addressed the press next.
“We will not play for a point tomorrow – we will play to win. We will play with a different formation, with two offensive wing backs. I believe in our team – I am optimistic and believe we will do well tomorrow. We are playing for the win.
It’s great for the young players to have such a fantastic role model as Luka. There is only one Luka – he never quits. We hope he will stay with us for a while.”
Will Pašalić play instead of Sučić tomorrow?
“He is playing very well. He is the best Croatian goalscorer in Serie A. We will see who will play tomorrow.
“We are aware that Portugal is playing new players tomorrow but that means they will be fresh. We are also making some changes to have good energy for the game. We have more of a motive tomorrow than Portugal.”
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