Croatia - M. Blazevic: "We are stronger than we were at Euro 1996"

13.06.98 21h17 CET

Is CROATIA ready for its first ever match in the World Cup finals (against JAMAICA, Group H)?

"I like to think that we are stronger than we were at Euro 1996; we're more experienced and the younger players have injected new life into the team with their courage and commitment. By contrast with the European Championships, our captain Zvonimir BOBAN (10) is in top condition for this World Cup, as is the rest of the team. Slaven BILIC (6), who had been having problems with his adductors, trained normally today. The injury is nothing more than an unpleasant memory and I'll be greatly relying on him tomorrow".

 

How do you rate your Group H opponents (JAPAN, JAMAICA and ARGENTINA)?

"I have a great deal of respect for all of our opponents. We've really got to watch out because none of them is a weak side: JAPAN and JAMAICA are both capable of beating anyone. They both play an aggressive game, and are physically well prepared. I've warned my players that these will be difficult matches against tough opponents. We have to be focussed on the three first round matches in order to get through to the second round, which is our main objective. After that, anything's possible. My squad has a lot to think about: they know that they can go a long way, but they could also fail".

 

How did you react to the news of the death of Fernand SASTRE, co-president of the French Organising Committee (CFO)?

"I have been deeply affected by the death of Fernand SASTRE who has been a key figure in European football, and French football in particular, for many years. I would like to offer my condolences to his family, to the French Football Federation (FFF) and to lovers of football in general."