Analyst praises Croatian footballer: 'Terrific player, all due respect'

During a post-match analysis on Serbian television RTS, former footballer and current analyst Rade Bogdanović lauded Croatian player Ivan Perišić, calling him a "terrific player" and expressing "all due respect."

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Perišić… He is a terrific player, all due respect. He covers all possible positions.

Bogdanović highlighted Perišić's exceptional versatility, stating, "He covers all possible positions." This praise came after Croatia's crucial 2-1 victory against Ghana, which secured their advancement to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Perišić was noted as one of Croatia's key players in the match.

Perišić himself acknowledged the team's significantly improved performance compared to their earlier group games. "We played much better than in these first two games," he said, noting that Ghana's conservative approach in the first half provided Croatia with space. Despite a moment of "panic" when Ghana equalized, Croatia managed to hold on and secure the win with a late goal from a set-piece.

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We played much better than in these first two games. Although they didn't really attack in the first half. They gave us a lot of space, which suited us. We had better chances. There was a little panic at 1-1, but we held on. We scored the second goal from a set-piece and everything is positive. Everything changed in one game, so now we need to rest well and move on.

Reflecting on his own role, Perišić mentioned playing at fullback against Ghana, a position he has occupied before. "I've said a hundred times that I'll play wherever the team needs me," he stated, emphasizing his willingness to adapt. He also commended teammate Martin Baturina's form and development, highlighting his progress over the last six months.

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Today I was at the fullback position. I've said a hundred times that I'll play wherever the team needs me. It's not foreign to me to play. I've played at fullback and wingback and winger quite a few times in Italy. So, I'm here for whatever the team needs. Baturina is in good form, he needs to continue like this. He has really progressed in the last six months. All due respect to him.