Croatia seeking vengeance

Having finally shaken off their World Cup hangover, finalists Croatia are aiming for their first Nations League victory when they face Spain on Thursday, the side who inflicted a 6-0 drubbing in September.

"I'm focused on the match against 'La Furia [Roja]', we need that victory," Dalic said earlier this month. "I know that many people do not believe that our team is capable of winning both games but I reply -- we will do now as we did in Russia, step by step.

"First, Spain," he told the Jutarnji List newspaper.

Croatia reached the World Cup final for the first time in Russia, inspired by playmaker Luka Modric, and despite losing 4-2 to France Dalic and his players were welcomed home as heroes.

But only two months later "Vatreni" -- Croatian for "Fiery Ones" -- suffered the humiliation of the thrashing by Spain in their first Nations League match.

After a superb year that landed him the FIFA player of the year award, Modric is nearing full fitness, Dalic said.

"After a year of excellent games he cannot be constantly in good shape. I never had doubts about Luka ... he is the leader and he will be at a high level."

Dalic, who repeatedly stressed that his main goal was to qualify for the Euro 2020, said the team was motivated by a wish for revenge.

"The match, our approach and our fitness will be completely different," he told a press conference Monday. "We are in much better shape than then [in the 6-0 loss]. It was a debacle and we need to look for revenge... with three points."

Dalic has also rejuvenated the squad with three young players -- forwards Josip Brekalo and Nikola Vlasic and defender Duje Caleta-Car.