The Croatian national football team will face Estonia in a friendly duel tonight in Tallinn. The game will be played at 18:00.
Although the Croatian national football team traveled to Tallinn with only 16 players, coach Ante Čačić announced that he expects a motivated, responsible and disciplined Croatia that will play a good game and look for a positive result, reports Vecernji List on March 27, 2017.
“This is another opportunity for the players who are not at the forefront of the team to confirm that they have a right to be on the national team. Everyone can give their contribution, as they have done up until now and I expect a motivated, responsible and disciplined Croatia that will play a good game and look for a good result,” said coach Čačić after the final training session in Tallinn on Monday.
Top Croatian representatives including Danijel Subašić, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Mario Mandžukic, Nikola Kalinić and Marcelo Brozović did not travel to Tallinn, which will allow many players an opportunity in the national team jersey. If you recall, a similar national team composition overcame Northern Ireland 3-0 last November in Belfast.
“The cold and wind has not exactly been pleasant, but I hope the players can recover and rest. All in all, there are things to see in the city and we are satisfied. I believe these friendlies show a lot and I love to play them. Each match gives us some answers, and if there are accompanying questions. And that is how we will decide on the team for the rest of qualifying. We cannot just run away with the role of favorite, Estonia is the host, they have a stopper from Liverpool and we watched their match against Cyprus. At home, they were a tough nut to crack. And to us, Estonia has always been difficult. Croatia will, however, do our best and will, as always, put an emphasis on our skills. Croatia has a great incentive and everyone is motivated that Croatia can be the best possible. I do not expect an easy match, but I expect that our players will give the maximum commitment,” concluded Čačić.
In Tallinn, the team will be led by a new captain as Ivan Perišić will take on the role for the first time in his career. Ivan Perišić missed the match against Ukraine in Zagreb on Friday due to the red card he received against Iceland.
“I was sad that I could not play against Ukraine, no one wanted it more than me. However, tomorrow Estonia awaits us, and I have the honor to carry the team on the field as captain for the very first time. No one is prouder than me, so I cannot wait. We are strong, we have enough players who can replace those who are not with us now. You could see it at the European Championships, and I'm sure everyone will give one hundred percent of themselves,” said Perišić.
The Croatian national team so far has played eight games against Estonia, achieving six wins and two draws.
