National Teams > Men > A

Croatia stays on top

Čačić, Modrić, and
Vida on Kosovo
victory

03.09.2017.
Čačić, Modrić, and Vida on Kosovo victory
photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • RSS

Croatia head coach Ante Čačić, captain Luka Modrić, and goalscorer Domagoj Vida shared their thoughts on the two-day encounter with Kosovo in Zagreb.

Ante Čačić:

"I congratulate my players. They have prepared twice for one match, on a difficult pitch, against the defensive-minded opponent. However, we had the initiative, we wanted to score, and I have to be happy. These three points return us to top of the group, the position we hold since the start of this qualifying campaign. Kosovo did not surprise us, we knew this will not be easy. They are getting better match by match, they have interesting players, and the weather conditions did suit them. Many teams will have problems against them".

"Now we have to turn towards another difficult challenge. We are better than Turkey, but we have one day less to recover. Hopefully, the pitch will be good there and we can try to play like Croatia usually does".

Luka Modrić:

"Knowing this will be a difficult task, we have fully respected Kosovo. The most important thing is that we have won, and now we need to rest and prepare for Tuesday. Of course, waiting for the decision on the restart did affect us, that is not an adequate method of preparation for such an important match. We hope to stay on top upon return from Turkey and we'll do everything to achieve a positive result. We need no alibis, what we need is a great performance in Eskisehir. Turkey is a tough opponent - even though we've outplayed them in Zagreb, we couldn't win. Now we'll strive to achieve one".

 

Domagoj Vida: 

"Of course I'm happy, especially since I usually don't manage to score for the national team, but it doesn't matter who scored. What matters is that Croatia won and that the fans are happy. I congratulate my teammates, and we need to thank everyone who improved the pitch following Saturday rains. And many thanks to the fans who came back to the stadium to support us. This was a tough match, but that's what makes football interesting".

"We'll try to rest for Turkey, win, and head towards Russia. We believe in ourselves, and this victory will give us extra motivation to succeed".

 

 

More News

  • Major Croatia comeback to complete World Cup qualifying

    17.11.2025.

    Major Croatia comeback to complete World Cup qualifying

    Zlatko Dalić's men have completed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a victory, despite Montenegro having a two-goal advantage. MONTENEGRO - CROATIA 2:3 (2:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group...

  • Croatia turns the table to secure World Cup berth!

    14.11.2025.

    Croatia turns the table to secure World Cup berth!

    Croatia national football team became a 2026 FIFA World Cup participant with a 3:1 comeback victory over Faroe Islands in Rijeka. CROATIA - FAROE ISLANDS 3:1 (1:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying...

  • Croatia ranked 11th in the latest FIFA rankings

    03.04.2025.

    Croatia ranked 11th in the latest FIFA rankings

    The Croatian national football team has climbed two places in the latest FIFA rankings, published on Thursday, and is now ranked 11th in the world. Argentina remains at the top of the rankings...

  • Croatia to host Czech Republic in Osijek

    24.03.2025.

    Croatia to host Czech Republic in Osijek

    The Executive Committee of the Croatian Football Federation has decided that Croatia's June match against the Czech Republic will be played at Osijek's Opus Arena. Following their Nations League...