Former Croatia Star Tokić Identifies Kramarić as Key Player, Calls for Defensive Improvement

Former Croatian international Mario Tokić believes forward Andrej Kramarić could be the key "game changer" for the national team in their upcoming match against Ghana. Tokić, analyzing the team's performance, suggested that Croatia will aim to control possession against Ghana, a team he describes as more dangerous on the counter-attack.

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If we talk about a player who could be a 'game changer' against Ghana, in terms of depth, then it is Andrej Kramarić. We will not rush against Ghana, it will be a similar match, we will take possession from them because that does not interest them. They are much more dangerous on the counter-attack.

Tokić reflected on the team's opening match against England, acknowledging England's strength as a title contender. He admitted the game was physically demanding and created a negative atmosphere, partly due to public expectations of an easy performance from Croatia. However, he considers that match behind them following their victory against Panama, which has put Croatia "back on track" to advance from the group stage.

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What I was a little afraid of was that first match with England, which, we must admit, is a stronger team and one of the two or three candidates for the championship title. That match wore us out quite a bit, and even worse, pushed us into a negative atmosphere.

Addressing the team's objective weaknesses, Tokić highlighted the need for improved defensive organization. He stressed that the entire team, not just the designated defenders, must become more compact. Tokić pointed out instances, particularly against England, where the team conceded too much space and players were drawn out of position individually, leaving defenders exposed in one-on-one situations. He noted that the defense looked more promising against Panama.

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But regardless of the result, I would put that match aside. Now, with the victory against Panama, we have returned to the right track and we hold everything in our hands, and Croatia is on a good path to pass the group, and we have proven many times that we can beat anyone in the knockout phase.

Furthermore, Tokić called for greater attacking depth, noting that only Ivan Perišić actively sought to penetrate defenses in the first two games. He believes enhancing this aspect will create more opportunities for midfielders like Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Sučić, and Martin Baturina. Tokić also touched upon the team's defensive approach, suggesting a need for more aggression, but cautioned that players might lack confidence in their teammates' support, indicating a potential lack of synchronization in defensive efforts.

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First of all, we have to improve the defensive performance, and I'm talking about the entire team. I wouldn't single out just three or four, five defensive players. The whole team must be much more compact, it leaked too often, especially against England.