Croatia's players take part in a training session at Roshchino Arena near Saint Petersburg on June 12, 2018, ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. / AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE
Croatia forward Nikola Kalinic believes the team has the quality to beat Nigeria in their Group D clash at the Kaliningrad Stadium tomorrow.
The AC Milan striker however stated that his side must show respect to the Super Eagles who according to him have some talented players in their squad.
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“Croatia have good wingers and strikers, and we are not afraid. It is a good idea to play and create opportunities for the attackers,” the 30-year-old told reporters in Roscinac.
“We have better quality than Nigeria, but we must show respect, they certainly have good offensive players, they have shown themselves against England and will undoubtedly be difficult, but we need to see where our biggest chance to win is and we hope to open the tournament with a win.
”If we have the right attitude and approach the match the way we should, then we will win.”
Meanwhile, one of Croatia’s top stars, Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitić, is wary of the Nigeria team ahead of their World Cup opener in Kaliningrad tomorrow.
Croatia are in the same situation as the Super Eagles as they have not won an opening game at the World Cup since 1998, but the Barcelona midfielder is hoping they improve on their opening day fixtures when they face the three-time African champions.
Source: G Sport
