Croatian players during a training session ahead of their match against Canada. REUTERS
Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic has said he expects a better performance from his team after a poor goalless draw against Morocco in their Group F opener. The 56-year-old tactician also insisted the 2018 World Cup finalists deserve to be respected, referencing Canada coach John Herdman’s recent statements.
Herdman had charged his Canadian wards after their heartbreaking loss against Belgium with some ‘inspirational’ words which Croatia found offensive and insulting.
“This is an extremely important and difficult match for us. We have to be more prepared than in the last match. I expect a better Croatia. Very often when we face adversity, we have responded,” Dalic said yesterday.
“The Croatia team deserves respect from everyone. We have proven that by the way we have played and our conduct during the World Cup. We are the runners-up, second in the world. We respect everyone equally, so we expect our opposing teams to respect us. This way of putting words together is not a sign of respect,” Dalic added.
The situation has added more fire to the must-win match at the Khalifa International Stadium today, for both sides as a defeat for either could move them closer to crashing out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“I shall not focus or comment on any other people’s comments,” Dalic, whose side is under immense pressure going into today’s match, added. “We will be prepared, fit, and demonstrate respect for Canada — and for everyone else. We expect respect just as we exercise this view.”
The Checkered Ones are unbeaten in all competitions in seven games, losing only once in their past 17 games since Euro 2020, a testament to their defensive solidity.
Luca Modric and the rest of the squad would, however, have to be at their best against a Canadian side that outplayed Belgium and recorded 21 shots to Belgium’s nine.
Forward Ivan Perisic added more fuel to the fire, saying, “I cannot wait for the match to begin.”
Canada players interact as they take part in a training session at Umm Salal SC in Doha yesterday. AFP
Canada light and ready
The North Americans, on the other hand, will look to shake off a disappointing opening loss and Alphonso Davies’ penalty miss and get themselves back on track. On another day, they would have walked away with all three points. Canada, making their second appearance in the Finals, have failed to score or win a match at the World Cup.
Herdman has described today’s clash as a ‘hell of a test’ and a “massive game” for The Maples while brushing aside the circumstances surrounding the clash.
“It’s a hell of a test for this team. We are excited. We’ve been waiting 36 years to get here,” Herdman said yesterday. “We have a hell of a match coming. We’re in a light, bright, clear place. If anyone knows how I operate, I’m always onto the next task and loving the experience.”
Herdman stressed that his words to his players after the Belgium game were not meant to disrespect Croatia but simply “to remind them that there’s another task ahead.”
Canada’s Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio said the game would be challenging for both sides.
When: Today at 7:00pm
Where: Khalifa International Stadium (Capacity: 45,857)
Key stats:
* Croatia reached the semi-finals in their debut at the World Cup finals in 1998. They featured in the final at the last edition of the tournament in 2018 but fell to France 4-2.
* Canada have never scored at a men's World Cup. In their first appearance at the finals in 1986, they crashed out at the group stage both goalless and scoreless.
* To reach the 2018 final, Croatia were the first team at a World Cup to come from behind in three successive knockout round matches.
* Canada topped the CONCACAF qualifying table, scoring more and conceding fewer goals than any other team.
Previous meetings:
* The teams have not met previously.
