The national team of Denmark will be the last obstacle for Croatia on the way to the U21 European Championships next year. According to the value of all possible rivals Croatia could draw in the playoffs, Denmark ranks up there as one of the highest quality national teams.
“From the teams we were able to draw, they are the best, and their results show that. However, due to the goal differential, they remained below the line, similar to us. A difficult match for us, but also for them,” said coach Igor Bišćan for Gol.hr.
Does he believe Croatia will qualify?
“Certainly, we believe in us, in the team. The guys have shown in these qualifiers, which ended the way they did, that they have the right mentality, character, and quality to hope for the best.”
The games do not directly overlap with the Nations League. Did he talk to Zlatko Dalić about sharing players?
“We didn’t because we only found out the draw on Tuesday, and the game is still very far away. Dalić has priority, he will be the first to choose, and we are happy when one of ours finishes in the first team. That is the purpose of our work. Dalić has shown a lot of understanding so far, we have cooperated very well, and I believe we will continue.”
Croatia led the qualifiers until the end – what happened?
“Well, it’s hard to expect such a decline; we were almost perfect in qualifying. We didn’t expect to stumble so much in those moments. We’ll learn. Our players haven’t matured in football yet, and let’s not say mentally. We paid dearly for that by not going directly to the Euro. We can’t change that; I would attribute that to some growing up. If it had to happen, it’s good that it happened now that we can still correct it.”
How is he dealing with criticisms?
“They are an integral part of our work. Those who cannot understand that should not engage in this profession,” Bišćan concluded.
The additional qualifier matches will be played between September 19 and 27 this year. The Croatia U21s will play the first game at home.
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