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Former Dinamo Coach: I Don't Like This World Cup Format; Advancing From Group Would Be Excellent for Croatia
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Former Dinamo Coach: I Don't Like This World Cup Format; Advancing From Group Would Be Excellent for Croatia

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Branko Ivanković, a former coach for Dinamo Zagreb and Iran's national team, expressed dissatisfaction with the expanded 48-team format for the upcoming World Cup, suggesting it prioritizes business over competition quality.
  • Ivanković believes the new format may lead to a decline in overall match quality, with many games failing to capture broad public interest due to a lack of star players and compelling contests.
  • Regarding Croatia's prospects, Ivanković stated that advancing from the group stage would be an excellent result, highlighting the team's blend of experienced players and promising young talent like Baturina and Gvardiol.

Branko Ivanković, a seasoned football coach with experience managing both Dinamo Zagreb and the Iranian national team, has voiced his reservations about the expanded 48-team format for the upcoming World Cup. He suggests FIFA's decision prioritizes business interests over the quality of the competition.

I don't like the format

— Branko Ivankovićcommenting on the expanded 48-team World Cup

"I don't like the format," Ivanković stated, expressing concern that the increase in teams could dilute the overall quality of the tournament. He anticipates many matches will fail to generate significant public interest, as crowds are drawn to top players and high-caliber games. "It's possible that interest will only increase in the second phase of the competition," he added.

It's possible that interest will only increase in the second phase of the competition

— Branko Ivankovićspeculating on the impact of the new World Cup format

Despite his criticisms of the format, Ivanković is keenly awaiting Croatia's performance. He believes that simply advancing from the group stage would be an excellent outcome for the team, which features a mix of experienced "senators" and energetic young players. Ivanković expressed confidence in coach Zlatko Dalić's ability to balance the squad and harness the energy of the younger generation.

As with everyone, I first expect us to get through the group, and that would already be an excellent result.

— Branko Ivankovićon Croatia's expectations for the World Cup

He specifically mentioned Joško Gvardiol, hoping the defender will be fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, and highlighted the potential of young players like Vušković and Baturina. Ivanković praised Baturina's maturity and playmaking ability, predicting a bright future for him. The coach emphasized that Croatia possesses the necessary quality to succeed, and that the team's ultimate achievement will depend on their performance in the tournament.

Baturina shows that he is maturing and I believe a great career awaits him. He is a player who makes a difference on the field, he has an idea and the ability to implement it.

— Branko Ivankovićpraising young player Baturina
DistantNews Editorial

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

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