Crotia Want To Play Defensive Against Nigeria

Published on: 09 March 2018
Crotia Want To Play Defensive Against Nigeria
during the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria vs Algeria on November, 12th 2016 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium©Kabiru Abubakar//Backpagepix

Croatia's national team coach Zlatko Dalic has hinted that he will opt for a defensive approach when they face Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Dalic wants to play with five midfielders in their World Cup opener at Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16.

The coach believes dumping a 4-2-3-1 formation will help his men against the Super Eagles, saying he will talk to his players regarding his tactics.

"We need to prepare two game models when we play against Nigeria, namely Argentina and Iceland," Dali? was quoted as saying by Sportske Novosti.

"I will not give up 4-2-3-1, but we have to save for defense too, that we have a defensive game, maybe three players.

"Now it is up to me to see how it will go, and to make a decision through the chat with the players. The last word will be mine, but I will be happy to listen to and watch the players watch it.

"It would be an ideal opportunity for me to talk to them for seven days and to have a clear picture of everything."

In their build-up, Croatia will lock horns with Mexico and Peru in the United States during this month's FIFA window for international matches.

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