National Teams > Men > A

Kalinić and Badelj out due to illness

Čačić: "Probably the
most demanding match
before EURO"

25.03.2016.
Čačić: "Probably the most demanding match before EURO"
photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
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Croatia national football team awaits the friendly match against Hungary in Budapest.

After the successful test against Israel in Osijek (2:0), Ante Čačić's men visit Hungary on Saturday for another EURO 2016 preparation match. Unfortunately, due to illness, Fiorentina duo Milan Badelj and Nikola Kalinić will miss out, together with injured Ivan Rakitić and Marko Pjaca.

"This is probably our most demanding match before the tournament in France. I think we will see a competitive match, for the enjoyment of the full crowd. Croatia, as always, will strive to win the match. Regarding injures and illness, Croatia does not depend on 10 or 11 players, but has 16 or 17 players who play at a high European level, and can meet the requirements", said Croatia head coach Ante Čačić.

"Hungary is an organized, technically skilled team based on quality of experienced players such as Kiraly or Gera, as well as Szalai and Dzsudzsak, who are in their prime. The Hungarian team must be congratulated for securing EURO berth, and all the Hungarians, especially the government, must be congratulated for investing in football and building the infrastructure and stadiums. We can all be envious", Čačić added.

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida agrees, and is ready to fill any required position, considering the tactical changes announced by the head coach.

"When you see a stadium beautiful as Groupama Arena, all the tiredness disappears. It will be difficult match, Hungary is strong team without superstars, but we came to win. I am no stranger to playing left back and will do whatever it takes to help Croatia win", he said.

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