Dalić Confident Ahead of Key Match Against Montenegro

Croatia’s national football team, led by coach Zlatko Dalić, has secured its place in the upcoming World Cup but is not resting on its laurels ahead of a critical match against Montenegro on September 8, 2023. As Dalić prepared for a press conference at the Football House in Podgorica, he reflected on his past experiences in Montenegro and expressed his hopes for a warm reception for star player Luka Modrić.

Dalić reminisced about the late 1980s when he played for Budućnost and noted, “I recognized Branko Brnović in the pictures. After many years, I am in Podgorica, where I have fond memories.” His words highlighted the significance of the match, emphasizing that despite having qualified, the team has ambitious goals for this final round of qualifiers.

The Croatian coach made it clear that the team is approaching the match with seriousness. “We have secured our qualification, 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 campaign our best yet,” he stated. Croatia previously defeated Montenegro 4-0 in September, but Dalić expects a different challenge this time around.

“Montenegro has a new coach and several younger players eager to prove themselves. We aim for three points, and we will bring our maximum strength and motivation,” he added. The match is set to kick off at 20:45 local time, with the Croatian team prepared to adjust their lineup to give opportunities to players who did not feature in the previous match.

Dalić acknowledged the potential threats posed by Montenegro’s lineup, particularly highlighting Stefan Jovetić, who returns from absence, and Marko Krstović, who could create challenges for the Croatian defense. He emphasized the importance of being cautious against a young and dynamic team that has shown both promise and setbacks in their recent performances.

“Montenegro has had some good matches this year, but they have also faced misfortunes. With a new coach and emerging players, this is an ideal opportunity for them to test their skills. When players are eager to prove themselves, it becomes dangerous for rivals,” Dalić noted.

As the anticipation builds for the match, Dalić made a significant promise to the Montenegrin audience: “Luka will definitely play. The audience in Montenegro deserves to see him on the field. I hope you will welcome him with applause because he deserves it. He is one of the greatest players in the world.” This statement underscores the mutual respect between the teams and the importance of sportsmanship.

Defender Josip Šutalo echoed the sentiments of his coach, emphasizing the honor and motivation that comes with representing Croatia. “Every match is crucial. We must treat Montenegro with the utmost seriousness and aim to finish the group stage unbeaten,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges they will face.

Šutalo highlighted the need for a strong performance, noting that the previous result against Montenegro may not accurately reflect the team’s capabilities, especially considering Montenegro had a player sent off during that match. “We expect a very different game this time. We will do our best to handle all threats from their side,” he concluded.

As the Croatian team prepares for this pivotal encounter, the focus remains not only on securing victory but also on delivering an impressive performance that honors the legacy of football in both nations.