Croatia Coach Demands Favorites' Mentality and Defensive Improvement Against Panama

Croatia's head coach, Zlatko Dalic, has called on his players to adopt the mentality of favorites and significantly improve their defensive play as they prepare to face Panama in a must-win World Cup fixture. The team is under pressure after a disappointing 4-2 defeat to England in their opening match.

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We have to be better than we were last time. We have to repair and fix the errors we've made, primarily in the defence.

Dalic did not hold back in his criticism following the England game, stating he witnessed the "worst-executed set pieces" since taking charge. He emphasized the need for immediate improvement, particularly in defense, ahead of the critical Group L match in Toronto. "We have to be better than we were last time. We have to repair and fix the errors we've made, primarily in the defence," Dalic told reporters.

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We are the favourites, we have to act like it, and we expect results.

With both Croatia and Panama yet to secure any points, the upcoming match carries immense stakes. A loss for Croatia, combined with a non-defeat for Ghana against England, would see Dalic's team eliminated from the tournament at the group stage. "We are the favorites, we have to act like it, and we expect results," the coach asserted.

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We have shown a number of times that we play the best matches whenever it is difficult.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic acknowledged the team's challenging position but expressed confidence in their ability to perform under pressure. "We have shown a number of times that we play the best matches whenever it is difficult," he said. The game will also mark the 200th international appearance for captain Luka Modric, whom Dalic praised as a role model. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic is expected to attend the match to support the team.

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He is my right hand on the pitch.