STOP ERIKSEN Stimac: Croatia must cut supply line to Dane star
TODAY, ITV, KO 7PM PROBABLE TEAMS
CROATIA v DENMARK
Stimac (above) knows his compatriots must cut off the supply line to Tottenham star Eriksen to give themselves the best chance of winning today’s game.
Stimac said: “Stopping Denmark’s passing to and from Eriksen is the priority, as well as improving on our defending at set-pieces.
“Up front we are doing great, the control of our passing and the movements between our lines are our strengths.
“We can’t say much about Denmark because their most difficult game in the group stages against France was quite boring, like a friendly.
“On the other hand, Croatia presented lots of potential in the first two games and then, in the third game, even with some reserves, we got a win, sending Iceland home. Quality is definitely on our side and we hope our lads will be on their best form against Denmark.”
But former Derby and West Ham star Stimac, who won 53 caps for Croatia and then went on to manage them, says the current side’s brilliance in their group will count for nothing if they fail to beat the Danes.
Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Co thumped Argentina 3-0 in their second group game, with victories over Nigeria and Iceland sandwiching that one.
They finished five points clear of the South Americans to book their spot in the knockout phase as one of the strongest-looking sides.
And they were one of only three teams to make it through with a maximum of nine points.
Stimac said: “We certainly hoped we would do well and we knew that finishing ahead of Argentina was our chance to open the way to the quarter-finals.
“The lads did a great job in the group – beating Argentina in such a way lifted our confidence to the levels we needed.
“But that will mean nothing if we don’t beat Denmark now in what is a totally different game – one where we must accept being the favourites.”
If Croatia do beat the Danes, then 2010 World Cup winners Spain or host nation Russia will await in the quarter-finals.
But Stimac insists his compatriots will fear no one now, with Modric and Rakitic in their midfield.
Stimac said: “If we beat Denmark, we don’t need to fear anyone – all the pressure will be on our opponents.
“Maybe only Brazil can match our quality in midfield.”