Modrić was interviewed in the mixed zone after Croatia’s 2-2 draw with Albania in the second round of the European Championship group stage.
The draw made Croatia’s qualification situation tense, and the match against Italy could be seen as a crucial point in his national team career. Modrić said: “We didn’t play well in the first half, we fell into the trap of starting slowly again, which made the game very difficult. Fortunately, after the tactical adjustments by the coach at half-time, we showed our true strength in the second half, but in the final stages, the team’s coordination faltered, the distances between players were not maintained, which directly led to us giving the opponents two or three great scoring opportunities, and they took one.”
Modrić is clear about the difficult task ahead: “To reach the last sixteen, we must beat Italy, and then wait for the final result. We have no way back, we must go all out for victory. As long as we can continue the form we showed in the second half against Albania, or even do better, victory is entirely possible. Of course, Italy is a strong opponent, they have a first-class team, an excellent coach and a tight organisation, which will undoubtedly be a tough battle.”
On the adjustments the team needs to make, Modrić believes: “We need to analyse in depth and identify what needs to be improved. The current situation has not met our expectations, we must change something, to avoid falling behind again, as it is not a positive experience. Although we have the ability to turn the tide, the draw is still a disappointment. However, we are optimistic, because the initiative is still in our hands.”
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