Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said that Argentina will be the ‘easiest game’ for the Croatians as they will be up against one of the best and have nothing to lose in the game, as reported by ESPN. Dalic argued that no one expects Croatia to beat Lionel Messi and Argentina in Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday and so the pressure's off.
“I didn't say that Argentina was the easiest opponent. I said that this was the easiest game for us. We have nothing to lose. We are playing against one of the best.” Dalic clarified his statement.
"We have three points in the bag," Dalic added.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Croatia are already on top of the group D as they had won 2-0 in their first match against Nigeria and will be desperate to hold their position at the top of the table with a win against the Albiceleste. Argentina however will be looking to get their first victory against Croatia and ensure their survival in the tournament after their hiccup against Iceland in the opener.
As per reports from ESPN, Messi’s Barcelona team mate Ivan Rakitic praised the little magician and admitted that the five times Ballon d’Or winner will have his moments in the game but it will be the Croats’ task to do their job and stop him.
“I will just repeat once again: For me, Lionel Messi is the best player of all time,” Rakitic on Messi, as reported by ESPN.
“What can I tell them that they don't know?” Rakitic said. “The world knows. Messi is one of the best players in the world. He will have his moments, clearly. It is up to us to stop him, to play the right way against him, and to enjoy the match and play our best.
“It's a beautiful thing to play against one of the best teams in the world. We are especially motivated.” Rakitic concluded.
Croatia will qualify for the knockout stage with a win, which would be the first time they have made it past the group stage since reaching the semifinals and finishing third in 1998.
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