National Teams > Men > A

Ukraine hosts Croatia

Dalić and Vida
agree: "A tough
challenge, like a
final"

09.10.2017.
Dalić and Vida agree: "A tough challenge, like a final"
photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • RSS

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić and international defender Domagoj Vida held a press conference on the eve of Ukraine clash in Kiev.

On Monday, Ukraine and Croatia decide their fate in European Qualifiers, with both teams requiring a win to guarantee them at least a play-off spot.

"This is the biggest and most important match of my career and I am read. I could never refuse Croatia and I was proud to accept the offer. I know this will be a tough challenge, but my players have the capability to succeed. Being national team head coach is the most difficult job in Croatia, the expectations are great, but the circumstances are not pretty. There's no time for practice or analysis and we try to find the best solution, I want to give my players confidence and faith", says new Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić. 

"In Kiev, we have to play tough and present our quality. If we start to do the math, we'll lose everything. The players are aware of the situation, they were cruising towards the World Cup and now everything is doubtful, but they accept resposibility and want to correct their mistakes. There will be no major tactical changes, even though I shall switch some players' positions. However, Croatia will stay true to its style, with full respect to Ukraine and their manager who breaths new life in their team", he added.

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida does not hide the importance of the match and the desire to make things right.

"A turbulent period is behind us. We'll listen to our new head coach, and we have to forget everything that was happening in the previous days and months. We need to to win, this is like a final to us.  Ukraine became my home away from home, but I need to put aside any emotion and proudly wear my Croatia jersey once again. I love Kiev, and I know Ukraine will have full crowd's support, but this will be additional motivation for us"

"Ukraine has a quality team, especially with Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka on the wings, and now with excellent Marlos, but if we manage to help each other, we can stop them all and keep a clean sheet. If Croatia performs at the maximum level, we have a chance to be the happier side at the final whistle. We do not know how to calculate or play for a draw. We'll go for the win, that the only way", concluded Vida.

 

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...