Nine days before the opening match against Brazil, Croatia head coach Niko Kovač summarized the programme after arriving to South America.

"In order to adapt to the conditions, we shall take it easier during the practice sessions. Once we finish the friendly match against Australia, we shall start with the final preparations for the Brazil match".

"However, our Group A has been proven difficult. I have watched Mexico and Cameroon friendlies and now I am even more convinced that these are quality teams. Mexico have lost two players due to injuries, yet they are still a worthy opponent", said Kovač.

In the presence of ever-faithful supporters, Croatia took off from Zagreb Airport on Tuesday morning, travelling to Brazilian city of Salvador via Lisbon.

Already on Tuesday evening, Croatian national team will hold a practice session in the Tivoli Ecoresort base camp.