Dalić Expects Warm Welcome for Modrić in Montenegro Match

As Croatia prepares for its final qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup, head coach Zlatko Dalić expressed hope that the Montenegrin audience will warmly welcome Luka Modrić with applause. Speaking at a press conference in Podgorica, Dalić reflected on his past experiences in the city while underscoring the significance of the upcoming game.

While Croatia has already secured its place in the World Cup, Dalić emphasized that their ambitions remain high. “We have qualified, but the qualifiers are not over for us. We face a tough match against a motivated opponent, and we want to win to make this qualification our best yet,” he noted.

The Croatian team previously triumphed against Montenegro with a commanding 4-0 victory at Maksimir Stadium in September. Dalić anticipates a more challenging encounter in Podgorica, scheduled for 20:45 local time. “Montenegro has a new coach and younger players who want to challenge us and win. They have changed some things, but we are focused on securing all three points,” Dalić stated.

He acknowledged the potential threats posed by the Montenegrin side, particularly highlighting the return of Stefan Jovetić, who is considered their top player. “Jovetić is their best player, and he comes back after missing the match against Gibraltar. Krstović can also create problems, so we must be very cautious,” Dalić warned. He further noted the talent present in Montenegro’s midfield, stressing the need for his team to remain vigilant.

Dalić revealed plans to manage the playing time of his experienced players but confirmed the inclusion of Modrić, who he believes deserves to be seen on the pitch by the Montenegrin fans. “Luka will definitely play. The audience in Montenegro deserves to see him on the field. I hope they greet him with applause, as he is a player of the highest caliber and one of the greatest in the world,” Dalić promised.

Defender Josip Šutalo echoed Dalić’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of every match for the national team. “Every game means a lot to us. It is a great honor to represent our country. The qualifiers are not over, and we must take Montenegro seriously to finish the group unbeaten,” Šutalo remarked.

The Croatian defense is preparing for a demanding match, with Šutalo pointing out that the previous scoreline may not reflect the true capabilities of the Montenegrin team. “The result at Maksimir is not a true measure since the Montenegrins played with one less player for the entire second half. They have a new coach, and we expect a very different match this time. We will do our best to stop all their threats,” he concluded.

With the anticipation building for the clash in Podgorica, Croatia aims not just for a victory but also to solidify its position as a dominant force in the qualifiers. As the team prepares, the focus remains on delivering a strong performance while acknowledging the talents of their opponents.