Croatia crave Real threat from Modric
5PM, BBC
LUKA MODRIC has been ordered to spark up Croatia’s attack and rescue theWorld Cup finalists from an early Euro 2020 exit.
The Croats laboured to a 1-0 defeat by England but can revive their chances against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park today.
Coach Zlatko Dalic plans a shake-up with the aim of giving Real Madrid playmaker Modric, above, more freedom to create.
The more attacking NikolaVlasic should come in after Ante Rebic played as a lone striker against England.
Dalic said: “We have to improve in attack. It won’t be easy against the
CROATIA
Czechs or Scots, but I’m optimistic.
“Against Belgium and England we didn’t win but we weren’t crushed.
“We need a win to give us confidence. One good win would really open us up.
“We will see a different Croatia against the Czech Republic – not only in approach, tactics and style, but also we will see some new players in the team.”
Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy has warned his side they have yet to qualify for the last 16 despite a win over Scotland. He said: “Croatia have players who like playing the ball and building attacks from the back.
“If they have a good day, they will be very tough opponents for us.
“I still consider them among the two favourites in our group with England and we are third.A point out of two games might be enough, but we do not want to play for a draw.
“If we want to succeed, we need another excellent team performance with some extra bits.”
Croatia’s former Liverpool centre-half Dejan Lovren hopes to be fit after knee trouble but Rangers left-back Borna Barisic will miss out with a back problem.