Kramarić emotional before Panama match: 'We play for our captain, thanks Luka for the honor'

Andrej Kramarić spoke with emotion ahead of Croatia's World Cup match against Panama, emphasizing the team's dedication to their captain, Luka Modrić, who is set to make his 200th appearance.

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Every mistake is punished and that is the biggest difference. That could be seen in the match against England.

"Thank you, captain. Thank you for allowing us the honor to see this, to experience it, and to play alongside you," Kramarić stated, highlighting Modrić's immense significance to the national team. He expressed confidence that the team would give their all for Modrić and themselves, believing a victory is achievable if they play to their potential.

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Against Panama, it will certainly be a different game. They have a different style than England, we will probably have more possession and more opportunities to create chances. It is up to us how we enter the game, especially offensively. In the end, it no longer matters how we win, the most important thing is to get three points.

The Croatian team is focused on their next challenge in the World Cup after an initial defeat against England. A win against Panama is essential for their progression to the knockout phase. Young player Luka Vušković noted the stark difference in intensity at the World Cup, where every mistake is costly, a lesson learned from their match against England. He also spoke about the invaluable experience of playing and training alongside seasoned players like Kramarić, Modrić, and Ivan Perišić, emphasizing the learning opportunities both on and off the field.

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It's great to work with the younger generation. The world rests on the young, but we older ones won't give up. We have proven that every year. They are here to bring extra energy and to start our additional engine. So far, they are doing an excellent job. We have always had great talents and it will be like that in the future.

Kramarić anticipates a different game against Panama compared to England, expecting Croatia to have more possession and create more chances. He stressed the importance of securing three points, regardless of the style of play. He also commented on the positive energy brought by the younger generation of players, stating that while the youth bring new energy, the experienced players remain determined, a dynamic that has consistently characterized the Croatian team.

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I think we younger ones are proud that we can play with players like Kramarić, Modrić, and Perišić. It's a pleasure to watch them play. We can learn from them on and off the field. It is an honor to be with them in the locker room and on the field.