Dalic: Croatian players will sacrifice places if not fit

MOSCOW: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is prepared to make changes for Sunday's World Cup final against France if some of his players have not recovered from their exertions in reaching football's biggest game.Dalic's men have been forced to go through three periods of extra-time, against Denmark, Russia and England, to become the smallest country in 68 years to make the final.

"Tomorrow is the World Cup final. Simply, the players know what that is," Dalic said on Saturday.

"One thing that brings me happiness is that all my players tell me if they are not 100 percent fit.

They will concede they are not fit. They know what is at stake but if they are unable to give their all they will tell us. They have such an attitude."

SPONSORED CONTENT

Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah.

CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030.

Ivan Perisic, who scored and set up Mario Mandzukic's winner in a 2-1 semi-final win over England, was among five Croatian players to miss training on Friday.

"We have nothing to train. We need relaxation and rest to gain freshness for tomorrow," added Dalic.

"We have some minor injuries, minor problems, and I hope my players will be ready.

If not, I have great players on the bench who will be raring to go."

Dalic, 51, was little known outside his homeland until the tournament, but has masterminded an incredible turnaround in Croatia's fortunes.

A team boasting the talents of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic were struggling even to qualify for the World Cup before his appointment in October last year.

His first match in charge was a must-win qualifier away to Ukraine just to make it into a playoff where they beat Greece.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

"We are in the World Cup final. That was the influence of our coach," said Modric.

"Our qualification for the World Cup was in doubt and in the most important game, the first game, he talked us up to give us self-belief and self-confidence. He told us there were still good players despite this crisis. – AFP

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00