With 24 hours to go before Croatia’s second match at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the mood in the country could be described as ‘cautiously optimistic’.
Croatia opened their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw with Morocco, which only amplified the main concern fans had about Croatia’s World Cup participation: the lack of a true goalscorer.
While Croatia controlled the pace and midfield, which has become their trademark since entering the world stage, they never transferred to scoring chances.
The media criticized Morocco for attacking on the wings without enough penetration down the middle, which could have given them more chances to score.
The next game with Canada should see a shift towards a more direct attack on the Canadian goal.
Controversial statement by Canadian coach Herdman
On the heels of Canada’s 1-0 loss to Belgium, Canadian head coach John Herdman, in his post-game remarks, stated: “I told (the players) they belong here. And we’re going to fuck in Croatia. That’s as simple as it sounds.”
The statement, of course, was picked up by the Croatian media and one newspaper, ’24 Sata’, created a rather funny headline asking: “You have a great tongue, but do you have the balls?”
When asked about Hardman’s comment, the Croatian coach simply said: “The Croatian National Team deserves everyone’s respect because we have earned it since our existence.
We have won 2 medals in 20 years that only a few have matched. How we show respect to others, so we deserve the same.” Far from being fighting words, I have a feeling that coach Herdman’s words will be used as motivation in the Croatian locker room before the game.
Croatian fans always optimistic
You can’t blame the Croats for being an optimistic bunch. What this country has achieved in the sporting world in just 31 years of existence is quite remarkable. There was no panic after the goalless draw with Morocco.
Even his concern about the lack of goals doesn’t translate to “will anyone be able to score goals?” but rather “who will step up to score the goals we need?” As long as the little wizard called Modric is present, they “know” that the results will follow.
A win over Canada would be treated as a foregone conclusion. A tie will be met with “no problem, we’ll beat Belgium by as many goals as we need.”
But a loss to Canada can shock the nation. Coach Dalic will inevitably be the first target of criticism and his dismissal will be a foregone conclusion.
Casual fans are quick to point out the defeats for Argentina and Germany as nothing is 100% predictable in this World Cup, but at the same time, they see that coach Dalic and the players are well aware of this fact and that they will show you to Canada. all the respect that coach Herdman in a moment of emotion forgot to reciprocate.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Pixsell
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