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Djokovic reveals World Cup favorites: 'I always support teams from the Balkans'
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Sports

Djokovic reveals World Cup favorites: 'I always support teams from the Balkans'

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Novak Djokovic revealed his World Cup allegiances, supporting teams from the Balkans and the region.
  • He specifically mentioned cheering for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, while also praising France's performance.
  • Djokovic predicted Portugal would win the tournament and discussed his enjoyment of watching matches when not playing himself.

Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic has shared his support for various national teams during the ongoing World Cup, revealing a particular affinity for teams from the Balkan region.

Of course, I am cheering for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. I always support the national teams from the Balkans and the region.

โ€” Novak DjokovicRevealing his international football allegiances.

When asked about his allegiances, Djokovic stated, "Of course, I am cheering for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. I always support the national teams from the Balkans and the region." He also acknowledged France's strong performance in the tournament, noting that they are "playing fantastically."

Djokovic, a known football enthusiast, expressed his enjoyment of watching matches when he is not competing himself. "Of course, it's nicer when you watch matches from the television than when you play, because then not everyone is completely focused on your match. But that's okay, it is what it is," he commented. He reiterated his prediction that Portugal is likely to win the World Cup.

France is playing fantastically. These are teams that are truly impressive. I think Portugal will win the World Cup.

โ€” Novak DjokovicCommenting on the performance of other national teams and his prediction for the tournament winner.

The article also touches upon the Croatian national team's situation, mentioning their upcoming match against Ghana and the tactical decisions made by coach Zlatko Daliฤ‡, including Joลกko Gvardiol starting on the bench and Ivan Periลกiฤ‡ moving to left-back. Nikola Vlaลกiฤ‡ is expected to start on the wing to add creativity against a defensive block.

Of course, it's nicer when you watch matches from the television than when you play, because then not everyone is completely focused on your match. But that's okay, it is what it is.

โ€” Novak DjokovicDiscussing his experience watching football matches while being a professional athlete.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.