During the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Croatia national team will stay at the Woodland Rhapsody Resort at Illichevo, approximately 60 kilometres from St. Petersburg.

Croatian Football Federation delegation has revisited the basecamp this week, meeting with the resort and FIFA representatives, agreeing upon the details of the Vatreni stay.

Head coach Dalić and HNS representatives have reaffirmed their opinion that the Woodland Rhapsody, set in a peaceful location between a forest and a lake, presents an excellent environment for the national team.

The national team will hold practice sessions at the completely new, attractive small stadion at Roshchino, a 15-minute drive from the resort. The training centre is being build for the World Cup, with the capacity of 500 spectators. During the World Cup, this centre will also host the press-centre for the media representatives. 

Gennadiy Kolgotin, head of the Committee for Physical Education and Sports of the Leningrad Region, welcomed the HNS representatives at the stadium, introducing the project. The project's value is estimated at 4,7 million euros, with the hosts improving the facilities every day.

foto: HNS

Valeri Savinov, the governor of Roshchino, has thanked the HNS for this selection and promised the maximum hospitality for the Croatia national team, fans, and media representatives during the World Cup.

HNS executive director Damir Vrbanović responded, thanking the hosts:

"It is of extreme importance to us to secure he best possible conditions for the national team, and we are convinced that we will have them here. I have no doubt in Russian hospitality towards Croatia, especially following the 3:2 against at Wembley in 2007", said Vrbanović, remembering the legendary Croatia's victory over England that sent Russia to EURO 2008.

Alongside head coach Dalić and executive director Vrbanović, HNS delegation included team manager Iva Olivari, CEO event organizer assistant Zoran Cvrk, security officer Miroslav Marković, marketing manager Koraljka Petrinović, and media officer Tomislav Pacak.