Dalić: A good outcome would put the wind in our sails

On the eve of Croatia’s opening match at EURO 2020 against England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić told HRT the team faced one of the leading favorites to win the tournament.

The match will be even tougher because England will be playing to a home crowd.

“It is going to be a very difficult game. I think Croatia is ready. I think we did everything we needed to do, trained for it, and I expect a good match,” Dalić told HRT and added he expected a good outcome that would buoy the team with self-confidence as they start their campaign.

Croatia has never lost an opening game at the European Championship and Dalić believes that is going to stay that way. Asked whether Croatia was prepared for the many variations England can play on match day.

“Whatever they do, it is going to be excellent because they have an outstanding team and great players. We’ll see tomorrow when they name their squad. They know our qualities and strengths and will have to choose accordingly. We know their qualities and I don’t think there will be any surprises there,” said Dalić.