Croatia in Rijeka with a view of America
Modrić and his teammates are in retreat in Rijeka to prepare for the last two matches of the North American World Cup qualifiers: Friday 14 November in Rujevica against the Far Oer Islands and Monday 17 against Montenegro in Podgorica
Croatia is ready for the last sprint towards the 2026 World Cup. Zlatko Dalić’s national team has reached Rijeka, where they will prepare for the two matches that close the qualifying round: Friday 14 November against the Faroes at the Rujevica stadium and Monday 17 November in Podgorica against Montenegro
After six days the red and whites are now one step away from the finish line: 16 points and a goal difference of +19 are enough to illustrate the Croatians’ superiority in a group dominated from start to finish. Behind them, the Czech Republic are three points behind, but with a game more; further behind are the surprising Far Oer Islands, a revelation in the group with 12 points in seven matches, while Montenegro (6 points) and Gibraltar (0) close the table.
“We have two fundamental matches left – explained Dalić in the press conference –. We want to close the group in the best way, confirm qualification and, if possible, do it with two victories. But it will also be an opportunity to give space to those who have played less”.
Injury emergency: Kotarski also out
Bad news comes from the infirmary: Mateo Kovačić, Ante Budimir and Dominik Kotarski are all out of action due to physical problems. Dalić has decided to recall Petar Musa, Mislav Oršić and Ivor Pandur from the pre-summit list. However, Martin Erlić’s conditions remain to be assessed. “Unfortunately we will have to do without important players – confirmed the Livno coach –. Kovačić will have to undergo surgery again, but I am confident that he will be available in March.” The Manchester City midfielder had already undergone surgery in June and the new relapse complicates plans for his season. Dalić, however, looks ahead: “We have a large and solid group. Whoever comes in will know how to be ready.”
Croatia’s strong point remains its defense. In six games they have conceded just one goal, against the Czech Republic from a corner. It is the sign of a world-class defensive performance, supported by a group of expert and complementary players. “We have 5-6 defenders of the highest level – underlined Dalić –. The defensive phase was impeccable and I am very satisfied. Stanišić is back in shape and can cover multiple roles, both on the flanks and in the centre.” The selector also confirmed that Luka Vušković, Tottenham’s young talent, will start against the Faroe Islands and then join the Under 21 team ahead of the match against Hungary. “He’s a boy with great potential. It’s right that he plays and grows: our policy is to give continuity to young people.”
Friendlies with Brazil and Colombia
To better prepare for the World Cup, the Croatian Football Federation has scheduled two prestigious friendlies in the United States, in Orlando and New York, against Brazil and Colombia. “I always want to face the strongest. Playing against lower level teams is useless. These matches will be two very high level tests, perfect for understanding where we are at”, Dalić’s point of view. Croatia, semi-finalist at Russia 2018 and third at Qatar 2022, thus continues its tradition of confrontation with the great football powers in view of a World Cup that could represent the swan song for some veterans and the definitive explosion of a new generation.
The first obstacle, however, will be anything but simple. The Faroes, considered the Cinderella of the group beforehand, surprised everyone with 12 points won and prestigious victories against the Czech Republic and Montenegro. “We didn’t expect them to be so competitive,” admitted Dalić. “They are an organised, aggressive team that knows how to exploit the field factor well.” Among those specially observed is Franko Kovačević, Celje striker, currently one of the most prolific strikers in Europe. “We are following him. He scored a lot and attracted attention. Now everything depends on him.”
With only one point still to be won, Croatia already sees America in the background in 2026. But, as always in Croatian football, the goal is not just to participate: it is to get to the end, or at least go as far as possible.
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