Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic rates Nigeria as least difficult opponent

Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic has rated Nigeria as the least of his problem as called the Super Eagles a very “young and hungry”.

Zlatko Dalic whose Croatia side will play their first game at Russia 2018 against Nigeria listed Argentina and Iceland as his worries but state that his side’s first match in the competition against the Eagles will determine the fate of Croatia in the tournament.

In an interview with FIFA.com, when asked about the strengths of Croatia’s Group D opponents he was full of praise for Iceland whom they lost 1-0 to and defeated 2-0 in their world cup qualifying campaign, called Argentina the favorite.

“Well, Iceland were the best team in our group. We know them very well and had a tough loss against them in Reykjavik. Argentina are obviously one of the favorites to win the World Cup, while I see Nigeria as a young, potent and hungry team with great potential,” he said.

Dalic further predicted that the 16th of June match between Nigeria and Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium will set the tone for their World Cup campaign.

“That first match against Nigeria is very important – it will set the tone for the rest of our tournament.”