Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic says he already has in mind the starting 11 for his side’s 2018 FIFA World Cup opening Group D clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
The Croats who have lost their last four opening fixtures at the World Cup will face the three-time African champions on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium.
They will look to put an end to the poor run when they come up against Gernot Rohr, and Dalic admitted he already has the men who will do the job.
“I have the first eleven that will face Nigeria in Kaliningrad but of course I will not disclose it to the media because the whole structure still depends on form and injury,” Dalic told Croatia online news outlet Sportske jutarnji.hr.
“It is better to know three months before the start of the World Cup and not close to the game.”
Nigeria as well as Iceland and two-time world champions Argentina, who are the two other teams in the group, will be involved in friendlies in the upcoming international window.
Dalic confirmed he will send scouts to watch Nigeria in their friendly games against Poland and Serbia this Friday and next week Tuesday.
“Ivica Olic will be in the United States of America to monitor Iceland who plays Peru and Mexico. Nikola Jerkan will follow Argentina in the games against Italy and Spain, while Ognjen Vukojevic will watch Nigeria against Poland and Serbia.”
Blogger Comment
Facebook Comment