Croatia and England face off in Dallas on Wednesday in their FIFA World Cup group opener, with Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic insisting his side 'won't just defend' and are determined to win
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has cautioned England that his team will not 'just defend' in their FIFA World Cup opener. The two nations meet in Dallas on Wednesday to begin their group stage campaigns.
Both sides are expected to advance to the knockout rounds, though England enter the game as favorites, with some predicting the Three Lions could go all the way and lift the trophy.
And while Dalic recognizes his team faces a tough test, he has pledged his squad will be going all out to secure victory, via The Mirror.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 59-year-old said: "A tough match awaits us, the start of the World Cup, and the toughest opponent possible. We've prepared well, and I'd be happy if we show that tomorrow.
"England is an important match, but not a decisive one. We know their quality - they are dangerous, especially down the wings, and they have one of the best strikers in the world. We will give our best, we won't just defend, we want more. That's how we prepared."
Croatia will be looking to all the way in the USA, Canada, and Mexico after reaching the 2018 final in Russia, defeating England in the semi-finals along the way.
Dalic's team then secured another semi-final berth four years later but saw their journey ended by eventual champions Argentina. And while the Croatia manager has praised his squad for their progress over recent years, he wants them to create new history.
He added: "It feels the same as the first time. The medals were amazing; nobody expected them. We created a world miracle, but that is history.
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"We cannot live off that forever. Now we want to achieve great things again, and we have big ambitions. We are ready for high expectations, but there are many other teams with quality who want the same as we do."
After facing England, Croatia will shift their focus to their second group stage fixture against Panama in Toronto, before a potentially crucial encounter with Ghana.
Regarding their upcoming opposition, England manager Thomas Tuchel commented: "It is a very difficult start. It is an experienced team, an experienced coach, in tournament knockout football. It's a top football nation and a very strong opponent. The centre of gravity in their game has dropped a bit, into a back three, we expect.
"From a midfield three, which was the core of Croatia, it has only Kovacic and Modric still there. They're playing in a midfield two now. They play with fluid No 10s and wing-backs. But the core is still Modric and Kovacic.
"Then they have Perisic, who is always a threat with the crosses. That is one of the most dangerous crossers in world football, maybe – left foot, right foot, he does not even need space to put a cross in. It is remarkable. And they are strong in set pieces".
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
