Vlašić: Details will decide against Portugal

Another press conference of the Croatian national football team was held, at which Marin Pongračić and Nikola Vlašić spoke. Croatia will face Portugal in the round of 32 of the World Cup, and Zlatko Dalić's team will fly to Toronto at 5 pm local time, or 11 pm Central European time, where the match will be played. Before leaving, they will also do their last training session.

Nikola Vlašić admitted that the goal in the last match means a lot to him, both for him personally and for the entire national team.

“The most important thing is that we got through the group, which was our primary goal. I am happy about the goal, but even more so for the team's success,” he said.

Speaking about Portugal, he pointed out that Croatia faces one of the toughest possible opponents.

“Portugal is an excellent national team with many world-class players in every line. We will analyze them well and prepare as best we can, but it is clear how dangerous they are,” he said.

When asked if the Portuguese also feel respect for Croatia, Vlašić replied that he believes it is mutual.

“They certainly appreciate us a lot. They know what quality we have and how dangerous we can be. Just as we respect them, they respect us. I think details will decide the winner,” he said.

"We are self-critical and working on mistakes"

He also commented on the team's self-criticism after the group matches.

“There was no need to say that we played great when we didn't. Every player knows how they played and what needs to be improved. In training, we work on correcting mistakes so that we can be better from match to match,” he explained.

In conclusion, he said that he feels physically fitter than ever.

“After the season in Turin, in which I played practically every match and did not miss any training, I think I am physically at the best level of my career,” he concluded.

Source: HRT